Much fun was had over the Christmas holidays with SPLASH (Special Play and Learning Activities in the School Holidays) at Buckfastleigh, Devon. Children with special educational needs made their own shadow puppets, then created a story for their characters to perform…”Abby Girl and the Magic Pig” (pictured, who would make a rather rougish wasp!)….

….Abby was playing happily in the forest with her friends the animals, when a wicked goblin attacked! The animals chanted for their Indian God, swirling brightly coloured lights filled the screen, exotic music could be heard and the Indian God appeared! She summoned Magic Pig, who carried the animals to safety on his back and they all lived happily ever after….except the mean old goblin. (The children refused to let him be nice in the end!)

Even for participants without the ability to make or perform their own puppets, their faces lit up with huge smiles and laughter as they watched their friends’ show.