Hush Children’s Theatre Festival returns

The stage is set, the crayons are rebelling, the meerkats are dancing, and the forgotten characters are ready to be heard. Hush The Theatre’s much-loved Hush Children’s Theatre Festival returns from July 19 to 25, 2025, bringing with it a trio of imaginative, inclusive plays that promise joy for young audiences and adults alike.

Now in its second edition, the festival is more than just a series of children’s shows. It’s a testament to Hush’s growing commitment to making theatre accessible, emotionally resonant, and a shared experience for families across backgrounds. With three vibrant productions and an expanding vision for community outreach, Hush is fast becoming a leader in Malaysia’s family theatre scene.

“We don’t just want to entertain kids. We want them to feel seen, and for the adults who bring them to remember what joy feels like too,” says Sharanya Radhakrishnan, founder and festival director.

Three original plays take the stage

At the heart of the festival are three original plays, all written and directed by Sharanya herself. Each production is crafted to be interactive, sensory-conscious, and packed with meaning.

Crayons Gone Wild, adapted from a beloved children’s book, imagines a colourful revolt when crayons decide they’ve had enough of being used without say. The result is a whimsical tale about self-expression, autonomy, and finding one’s voice.

The Non-Essentials takes a meta-theatrical turn, giving voice to overlooked background characters like Ken from Barbie, a castle guard, a tree, and even “The End.” What starts as a comedic audition process transforms into a surprisingly tender meditation on identity and the desire to be seen.

Meanwhile, Bohemian Kats ditches dialogue entirely, relying instead on movement and music—specifically, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Featuring rebellious meerkats who escape the zoo, the play delivers visual comedy, bold choreography, and a gentle reminder about freedom and environmental care.

“These plays are made with families in mind,” says Sharanya. “They’re interactive, affordable, and written to invite children to laugh, respond, and ask questions. But grown-ups often tell us: I needed to hear that too.”

Championing inclusion through theatre

Behind the laughter and stagecraft lies a deeper mission: to create theatre that’s inclusive in both design and spirit. Each play is developed with a team of diverse actors and creatives, including neurodivergent members, through Hush’s Resident Actor Programme. This initiative supports sustainable theatre-making and centres voices often excluded from the stage.

Sharanya and her team have paid special attention to accessibility. Shows are sensory-friendly, interactive, and suitable for children with special needs. With performances running under one hour, and welcoming children from as young as three, the festival embraces audiences that mainstream theatre often overlooks.

The results speak for themselves. During the festival’s first run, over 300 children and adults attended. Children giggled, shouted, and leaned forward wide-eyed. Grown-ups laughed too—sometimes harder. The shows became moments of rare connection, where both generations experienced joy on equal footing.

Access for all

The 2025 edition of the festival isn’t just about public performances. From July 23 to 25, the festival will host group shows exclusively for children’s NGOs and community organisations. This move reflects Hush’s determination to ensure that theatre remains a space for all children, regardless of background.

“We hope to extend that magic to more children from marginalized communities through sponsored group shows,” says Sharanya. “And we welcome funders and partners to help make theatre accessible, meaningful, and full of heart.”

Public performances on July 19 and 20 will be held at Hush The Theatre, with tickets available via CloudJoi. Standard Entry is RM45, Arts Patron tickets are RM80, and a RM110 Event Pass allows access to all three shows.

For families looking to experience the power of shared laughter, empathy, and a little bit of chaos—Hush Children’s Theatre Festival is not to be missed.