Sunshine Festival 2025: A Theatrical Celebration of Seniors, Families, and Second Chances

This October, Gateway Theatre shines a spotlight on ageing with heart and flair as it launches the inaugural Sunshine Festival. Running from 31 October to 9 November 2025, the festival champions seniors chasing new dreams in music and theatre, and the families who cheer them on.

Aligned with Singapore’s focus on active ageing and intergenerational bonds, the Sunshine Festival blends joyful performances, poignant storytelling, and family-friendly activities. Its two anchor highlights are:

Live It Up! (31 Oct–2 Nov)

A lively sing-along theatre experience by The Glowers Drama Group, Singapore’s pioneer seniors’ theatre troupe. Packed with classic tunes, humour, and audience participation, it celebrates the energy of seniors performing for seniors.

When You Believe (6–7 Nov)

A musical concert co-produced by Gateway Entertainment and TVB International, featuring beloved contestants from Midlife, Sing & Shine! alongside award-winning illusionists Lawrence and Priscilla Khong. It’s an uplifting showcase of midlife dreams and musical comebacks.

Beyond the anchors, the festival offers a diverse slate of programmes:

Where The Sunflowers Grow (2 & 9 Nov) — A tender puppetry piece exploring ageing, loss, and nature, designed for children and families.

Rewind (7–9 Nov) — A powerful new Mandarin play inspired by cancer survivor Mdm Ong, blending sound healing with theatre for an intimate, moving experience.

Tote-ally Art Workshops (1 & 8 Nov) — Paint your own tote bag with fun techniques like coffee and potato stamping.

Coffee Talk: Facing Grief with Joy (1 Nov) — An open sharing led by Glowers founder Catherine Sng on resilience and creativity in later life.

Morning Moves (31 Oct–1 Nov, 7–9 Nov) — Free senior-friendly stretch sessions in the Sky Garden.

Programme Director Samantha Scott-Blackhall calls the Sunshine Festival a celebration of “joyful, purposeful theatre” that keeps seniors connected while fostering meaningful conversations across generations.