Gateway Arts’ How To Be A Kid explores grief, family and the pressure children can place on themselves when the adults around them are struggling.
Written by UK playwright Sarah McDonald-Hughes and adapted for Singapore audiences by director Ian Loy, the 60-minute play follows 12-year-old Molly after the death of her grandmother. With her mother overwhelmed by grief, Molly takes on cooking, cleaning and caring for her six-year-old brother Joe, while trying to manage emotions of her own.
Created for children aged 7 to 12 as well as parents, caregivers and educators, the production uses humour, adventure and family relationships to open up conversations about loss and difficult feelings. Molly and Joe experience grief differently, showing how children may not always process or express bereavement in the same way as adults.
Post-show conversations for families
Every public performance will be followed by a discussion led by Singapore Children’s Society. Through guided conversation and interactive activities, children and caregivers will explore ways to recognise and talk about difficult emotions, support one another through grief and loss, and understand when additional help may be useful.
School performances will have separate post-show discussions conducted in partnership with the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
Parent-child workshop: Leaning On Each Other
Families attending selected performances can also join Leaning On Each Other, a one-hour parent-child workshop designed by actor, drama educator and applied theatre practitioner Renee Chua. Held on 7 and 15 November at 3.15pm, the workshop uses role play, drama games and facilitated discussion to help families practise listening, explore different perspectives and find ways to support one another through difficult moments.
The workshop costs S$10 per parent-child pair with the purchase of two show tickets. Places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public performance schedule
6 & 13 November 2026: 7.30pm
7, 8 & 14 November 2026: 2pm and 5pm
15 November 2026: 2pm
Event details
Dates: 5–15 November 2026
Venue: Black Box, Gateway Theatre
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes, with no intermission
Recommended age: 7–12 years old
Tickets: Early Bird S$36 (21 September–4 October 2026); Standard S$45 (5 October–15 November 2026). SISTIC booking fees apply.
Booking: Book via SISTIC
Photo/Image Credits: Gateway Arts
