March On is Esplanade’s annual festival for young audiences, a vibrant celebration of the stories and experiences that matter to them. With a sense of playfulness and wonder, the festival also supports artists in crafting meaningful and imaginative works for young audiences.

Dear friends of the media,

In a world that moves quickly and often loudly, we continue to ask a simple yet enduring question: how can the arts create spaces where the young can pause, feel deeply, and encounter stories that help them make sense of themselves and the people around them? At Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, we hold close the hope that young audiences and their caregivers will encounter works that affirm who they are, spark curiosity, and gently remind us all that hope, care and humanity matter, at every age.

March On, the centre’s festival for young audiences will take place from 12 – 25 Mar 2026, bringing together artists and works that speak to these aspirations in different and meaningful ways. We are honoured to present the visually rich and heart-warming Chotto Desh by Akram Khan Company (UK), directed by Dr Sue Buckmaster of Theatre-Rites, which explores identity, belonging and intergenerational memory in ways we hope many can connect with.

We also welcome back Barrowland Ballet (UK) with two intimate and playful works, Tiger Tale and Playful Tiger. Tiger Tale invites audiences up close into the story of how a tiger reignites a family’s love for one another. Meanwhile, Playful Tiger marks an important milestone for March On as Esplanade’s first sensory performance specially created for neurodivergent young people and their families/caregivers, reflecting our ongoing commitment to accessibility, care and welcoming every child on their own terms.

Long-standing relationships with companies like Akram Khan Company and Barrowland Ballet remain central to March On, allowing us to grow alongside artists whose care and rigour shape meaningful encounters for young audiences.

This year, we are proud to be commissioning and co-producing new works with Singapore-based collectives A Magical Creation (The Curious Curator) and The Wanderlings (First Rave), continuing our commitment to nurturing original creation for young audiences locally.

From Australia, Omusubi Production and Monkey Baa Theatre present Little Bozu & Kon Kon, an enchanting puppetry work inspired by Japanese folklore that reflects tenderly on friendship, difference and acceptance. Adding to the cute-factor is Squirrel by The Egg (UK), a highly interactive performance for young audiences from six months to four years, centred on new growth and beginnings.

Expanding the festival’s conversations through diverse regional and cultural perspectives, we welcome artists from Thailand, Indonesia and Korea for the first time. Together with young performers from Singapore, they will present a rich line-up of free performances across Esplanade’s public venues. We warmly welcome back Some Club, whose playful installation Itchy Fingers: Makan will transform the Esplanade Courtyard into a space of discovery, movement and shared joy.

Complementing the performances is a line-up of ticketed workshops by local creatives SOMAYOKE, ARTFOLD, Forest & Whale and Warble, Warble the Wild’s in Trouble!. Designed for young participants and their caregivers, these workshops offer moments of slowing down, creativity and connection through artistic collaboration.

We would like to thank our Principal Sponsor, Naturel for their generous support of March On 2026.

At its heart, March On is a space of encounter: between stories and audiences, artists and communities, and the young and the adults who care for them. We invite young audiences to wonder, question and feel deeply, and offer for their adults and caregivers a chance to listen, learn and remember what it is to see the world anew.

Come wander, wonder and March On with us!

Rachel Lim
Senior Producer
The Esplanade Co Ltd