Productions

Current Shows 

Especially on Birthdays

Flight Path Theatre and Shiny Heart Productions proudly present The PaperBoats production of Especially on Birthdays. Now performing at Flight Path Theatre, and touring to NSW schools, theatres and community venues. 

“It was awesome and it taught me how not to be afraid of change”

Blake, 10

About the Show

Especially on Birthdays is an award-winning, interactive 42-minute visual theatre show for children aged 3-12. 

Part performance. Part game. Part celebration. 

Especially on Birthdays captures all the joy, excitement and concerns of twins facing their sixth birthday. Told that they'll be in separate classes after their birthday, one twin - quiet and fearful of change - decides to stay five forever, while the other - boisterous and brave - tries to help them discover the joy of growing up and making new friends.

Igniting imagination through a world of paper and boxes, using play, movement, music, and thoughtful audience participation, children step into the story as active co-creators, gently supporting and experiencing the emotional ups and downs alongside the twins, as they navigate big feelings, embrace differences, celebrate friendship, and find the courage to grow. Together, we explore themes of: 

• Sameness and difference

• Friendship, empathy, and kindness

• Courage, change, and self-discovery

Featuring stunning visual imagery, a mostly non-verbal narrative, and an enchanting original score by Matthew Wilder (Disney’s Mulan), this inclusive production is accessible and captivating for children of all abilities. Created by The Paperboats and proudly presented by Flight Path Theatre and Shiny Heart Productions, Especially on Birthdays offers a rich and emotionally resonant theatre experience, deeply connecting with young hearts while delighting audiences of all ages.

The NSW production of Especially on Birthdays premiered during the inaugural Lights Up Kids Festival at Flight Path Theatre in August 2024, and is the current resident children’s show at Flight Path Theatre. 

"Through the magic of everyday objects such as paper and boxes, we are transported, with every sense tingling, to the world of twins where a special event provokes differing childlike reactions according to the personalities. The performances were compelling. Their emotions and movements had such appeal and honesty. This show takes us to the heart of childhood." 

Janeen Brian, Children's Book Author

The Team

Producers: Kate Bookallil and Siobhan Lawless (Flight Path Theatre), Susan Huang (Shiny Heart Productions)

Conceived and directed by: Dave Brown (The PaperBoats)

2024 Remount Director: Temeka Lawlor (The PaperBoats)

Associate/Tour Director: Susan Huang 

Music Composer: Matthew Wilder (Disney’s Mulan)

Lighting Consultant: Bob Weatherly (The PaperBoats)

Lighting and Sound Operator: Amy Van Gelder Brown

Performers: Susan Huang, Maliyan Blair

Past performers/understudies: Matt Abotomey, Amy Van Gelder Brown

Photography: Philip Le Masurier 

Booking Information

Especially on Birthdays is now open for booking exclusive school performances at Flight Path Theatre and touring to NSW schools, theatres and community venues. 

Dates: 2025-2027
Location: Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville or
Touring: NSW Theatres, community venues and school halls/gym. (min space 9 x 6m)
Duration: 42 minutes (no interval)
Age: 3-12 and families
Themes: Friendship, Difference, Empathy, Courage, Change

SEL:  Self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making. 
Optional Add ons: Interactive Drama Workshops, Teacher/Education Resource Pack, 8 week in-school drama education program. 

More Info: Email hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

Information for Schools

Especially on Birthdays is available for on demand bookings throughout 2025 - 2026. The performance can be booked as an excursion to Flight Path Theatre or incursion by bringing the performance to your school hall/gym/classroom (min 9x 6m). Download the information pack for school booking information and download the teacher resource pack for show information, curriculum links and pre/post classroom activities and workshops. Questions and enquiry, please email: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

Download the Information Pack for Schools

Download the Teacher Resource Pack

Dates: On demand 2025 -2026

Excursion: Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville or 

Incursion: At your school hall/gym/classroom (min space 9 x 6 m)

Includes: Teacher Resource Pack for curriculum links and pre/post activities

Curriculum Links: Creative Arts - Drama, PDHPE, English, General Capabilities, SEL

Optional Add ons: Interactive Drama Workshops, Teacher/Education Resource Pack, 8 week in-school drama education program. Discover our school drama education programs here.

More Info: Email hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

Touring Information for theatres and community centres

To receive the presenter pack, please email: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au

"Absolutely fantastic! Our children were so engrossed in the show throughout the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was so wonderful to see them wonder what was happening and why, recognising the various emotions, and relating to the characters." 

Carrie, Goodstart Lead Educator

Watch the Trailer

Reviews

Teacher Reviews:

The students were really captivated by the performance. With so much symbolism incorporated it was awesome to dissect the themes afterwards and discuss how the actors portrayed events. The sound design enhanced the play and highlighted how actors don't always have to have plenty of words to say, they can tell a story through meaningful movement. The students were on a real high after the show and shared how much fun the drama workshop was. The whole experience definitely ignited the drama bug from within. - Emily, Teacher, Marrickville West PS

The students were captivated by the playful energy of the show, particularly the humour, physical theatre, and the way the performers interacted with the audience. They loved the creativity in how everyday situations were brought to life on stage, sparking lots of laughter and excitement.The themes of sibling relationships, growing up, and navigating emotions resonated strongly with our students. The performance encouraged reflection and conversation about empathy, resilience, and the importance of understanding others’ feelings. It also linked beautifully to English and Drama outcomes by showing how storytelling, body language, and stagecraft can communicate ideas beyond words. Especially on Birthdays is a thoughtful, entertaining, and high-quality production that engages students while supporting both their learning and wellbeing. - Kellie, Teacher, Wilkins PS

Absolutely fantastic! Our children were so engrossed in the show throughout the whole time and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was so wonderful to see them wonder what was happening and why, recognising the various emotions, and relating to the characters. We were so grateful for the opportunity to engage our children in drama which we believe not only nurtures our children’s creative thinking and imagination, but also builds their understanding of people’s emotions. We look forward to having more opportunities like this to enrich our children’s learning in the future. Thank you. Carrie, Educator, Goodstart Marrickville. 

I was amazed how it drew all their attention, they were very engaged and I also found it very resourceful for learning about emotions. So I highly recommend it to all schools. Jen, Educator, Addison Rd ELC. 

Student Reviews:
The play that we watched was amazing! It was well written, very clear, and full of emotion! The actors' talent made me feel like I was really there! I understood the story line quite well, but I will admit some parts were puzzling. The next scene always explained my confusion.The music portrayed the scene's emotional state and I was hooked! The comedy and the tragedy were a perfect balance! I have nothing bad to say! Kudos. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

I love how since there wasn’t much talking you can really interpret it in
many different ways. It was so impressive how they can tell a story
without saying anything at all. I loved how the audience got to interact
with such an amazing play. It was so enchanting and fascinating to watch.
I love how they had a complication and a sweet resolution. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

I loved how expressive it is and how they talked about the challenges they faced and even when it was hard they overcame it and didn't give up. It was sweet and emotional and I loved how they expressed their feelings with movement and props instead of talking. I also enjoyed how they got people to come up and act in their amazing story. - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

Last month my school took us, stage 3, to see a play at the Flight Path Theater. Everyone was so excited and we had so much fun.
The play was about two twins having the best 6th birthday of their lives!
I really loved how they involved the audience because it made it really fun and more interesting. It was funny and really well made and they had some really cool tricks. They didn't need to talk much because they explained everything perfectly using facial expressions and body language. I liked how they had to face some challenges but they managed to get through them and I really liked how they had cool paper props. I think you should go see it because it's kid friendly, fun and funny! - Stage 3 Student, Wilkins PS

It was awesome and it taught me how not to be afraid of change -  Blake, 10

It was amazing and fun. Did make me cry but was good - Charlotte 9 

I loved it! All of it! - Cleo 7 

I absolutely loved it. From thrills and laughs to “oh that’s sad”. I awed at your talent. Hope to meet again! - Jahnava 12

I loved it, I love being part of it. - Raife 6

Parent reviews:
So beautiful and performed brilliantly. A show for everyone . - Mel, parent

Such a beautiful play for kids and grown ups. Loved it! - Anna, parent

Lots of fun, very interactive! Great for the kids. - Diane, parent

Workshops

Past Productions

Images: 1. Especially on Birthdays 2024, image by Philip Le Masurier. 2. Kids Drama Workshops , image by IWD. 3.Woven Intergenerational Storytelling Workshop Aug 2024, image by Philip Le Masurier. 4. Glow Show 2024, image by Shiny Heart.  5. Lights Up Kids Fest at Flight Path Theatre 2024, image by Shiny Heart.