FOLLOWING the success of its first ever Puppet Festival two years ago, Poole’s Lighthouse Theatre has announced a second chance for visitors to see just how the strings are pulled.

The second Puppet Festival takes place at the Poole attraction next month and it boasts a series of workshops and performances, including a show from the company behind the giant puppetry that wowed a global audience at the London Olympics opening ceremony.

This year’s event gives families the chance to try their hand at two different arts and crafts workshops, including making unicorn masks ahead of a production of Nobody Rides the Unicorn.

Meanwhile, youngsters are being invited to explore a “vibrant, sensory world” at the interactive co-production of Three Colours, courtesy of the Norwich Puppet Theatre and Polka Theatre.

But theatre spokesman Susie Carver insists the festival is not just for young children: “It features some slightly darker puppetry suitable for only over 12s, including a work in progress showing The Puppet Monologues from Blind Summit.

Another performance tipped to be an adult audience favourite is The Shop of Little Horrors.

It has been described as a dark and twisted show with a wicked sense of humour, featuring a collection of macabre characters.

Co-founder of Pickled Image and The Shop of Little Horrors producer Vicky Andrews said: “We are really excited to be taking the show out on the road again.

“We are confident the puppets will have the desired effect of scaring people out of their wits during the show.”

Festival programmer Helen Donaldson said: “We are particularly pleased to be welcoming Pickled Image to Poole for the first time.

“They are a skilled, innovative and dynamic company who explode the myth that puppets are just for children. One not to miss.”

For tickets & information on the festival, that runs between February 14 and February 23, visit lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 0844 406 866.