From award-winning touring productions to joyful cultural adventures — every Shiny Heart show is crafted to ignite imagination, delight young audiences, and leave little hearts shining. Available for venues, schools, and community halls across NSW and nationally.

CO-PRESENTED WITH: Flight Path Theatre & The PaperBoats

ABOUT THE SHOW: An award-winning, interactive 42-minute visual theatre experience for children aged 3–12.

Part performance. Part game. Part celebration.

Set in a world of paper and boxes, twins are facing their sixth birthday — but one is fearful of change and decides to stay five forever, while the other tries to help them discover the joy of growing up. Children step into the story as active co-creators, gently supporting the twins as they navigate big feelings, friendship, and the courage to grow.

Featuring stunning visual imagery, physical theatre, and an enchanting original score by Matthew Wilder (Disney's Mulan), this show is accessible and captivating for children of all abilities.

BOOK THIS SHOW:

 📧 Email us: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au 

Please include: show name, preferred date(s), number of students, year group, and venue preference.

📥 Download the School Information Pack 📥 Download the Teacher Resource Pack

Touring Information for venues and community centres

Bring Especially on Birthdays to your venue and delight your community with this accessible, heartwarming performance . 

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

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

                                                    — Child, 10

Show Info

Suitable for: Ages 3–12, families, schools K–6, support classes

Duration: 42 minutes (no interval)

Dates: 2026–2027 school terms

Where: Flight Path Theatre, Marrickville — or touring to your school/venue (min. space 9m x 6m)

Key themes: Friendship, difference, empathy, courage, change

SEL focus: Self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, decision-making

Accessibility: Relaxed performances & Auslan-interpreted shows available on request

What people are saying

Watch the Trailer

                A playful cultural tale of how the 12 Zodiac Animals             won their place on the Lunar Calendar

ABOUT THE SHOW: A joyful, interactive theatre adventure that brings to life one of the most beloved Lunar New Year legends — how the twelve animals earned their place in the Zodiac calendar.

When the Jade Emperor announces a great race, twelve unforgettable animal characters step forward — each with their own personality, strengths and spirit. Audiences cheer, play, and help their favourite animals along the journey in this high-energy, visually rich performance.

Filled with puppetry, original music, physical theatre, and playful audience participation, The Great Zodiac Race celebrates courage, kindness, perseverance and the value of every individual's strengths. A joyful celebration of culture, community and character. 🎉

Following its sold-out premiere season at Flight Path Theatre in February 2026.

SHOW DETAILS:

• Suitable for: Ages 4–12, families, schools K–6

• Duration: Approx. 45 minutes (no interval)

• Dates: Available for bookings 2026–2027

• Where: Touring nationally — theatres, schools, festivals and community venues

• Key themes: Courage, kindness, perseverance, teamwork, cultural celebration

• Curriculum links: Drama, English, HSIE/Cultural Studies, PDHPE, SEL

• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; Auslan-interpreted shows available on request

CREATIVE TEAM:

• Creator, Writer, Director & Performer: Susan Huang

• Producers: Susan Huang, Kate Bookallil, Siobhan Lawless

• Puppetry Director: Jade Fuda

• Composer & Sound Designer: Pico Dos Santos-Lee

• Puppet Maker & Lighting Designer: Emma Van Veen

• Performer: Lycia Mae

BOOK THIS SHOW: 📧 Email us: hello@shinyheartproductions.com.au 

Please include: show name, preferred date(s), number of students/audience, and venue details.

📥 Download the School Information Pack

What people are saying

Watch the Trailer

♥️ More Audience  Reviews ♥️

Teacher Reviews:

One of the best excursions I have been to. The students absolutely loved it. The show was engaging, the workshop was fun for the children. It's a fun atmosphere that caters to the needs of all our students which is so helpful. Our special unit students attended their first excursion and it was amazing for them, so thank you.

Hanna El-Far, assistant principal, Auburn West PS

Especially on Birthdays was fantastic. Our kids were engaged during the performance, following along and waiting to find out what happened next. It was great that kids could be involved during the show and that it was an interactive experience. The way the show was performed meant that our noise sensitive kids could be engaged and excited as well. The kids loved the interactive workshop afterwards working with people with real life drama experience. It allowed them to incorporate skills they had seen on display in the show and test them out. It’s been amazing to have programs and activities linked to the show for the kids to further deepen their drama learning! 

L. Wiggins, Assistant Principal, Marrickville PS

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

Drama Workshops

Lights Up Kids Festival

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.