The curtain raised for a spectacular sensory show.

Pupils at Mountjoy School, Beaminster, enjoyed a theatre day thanks to the Arts Development Company.

The school caters for children with complex needs, and the the workshop and performance by The Bone Ensemble was part of company’s Short Breaks programme.

In the morning, actors Jill Dowse and Sam Frankie Fox gave workshops with small groups of children aged between six and18. They included non-verbal gestures, sounds and music.

Ms Dowse, who is also co-artistic director of the ensemble, said: “It’s very interesting to work with children with complex needs. They don’t generally show they are participating in the ways you’re used to as a performer. The challenge for us is to work with that.”

In the afternoon, the company performed ‘Where’s My Igloo Gone?’ to an audience of 40 children, their parents and carers and Tony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, WDDC Cllr Jacqui Sewell and Dorset County Cllr Daryl Turner.

“This was what we call a relaxed performance, which means you’re prepared for people getting up and crossing the stage, and for noise. Sometimes you get some fabulous, creative noises from children joining in,” said Ms Dowse.

A relaxed performance is designed for those with sensory, communication or learning difficulties and anyone else who would benefit from a informal environment and their family and carers. It means that there is a relaxed attitude to noise and audience members are free to leave and re-enter the show at any point.

The day was funded by Short Breaks with additional contributions from Bridport Round Table and The Valentine Trust plus support from Artsreach, Dorset’s rural arts touring charity, and Mountjoy School.

Short Breaks is a DCC commission to provide a break for parents and carers of children in Dorset with disabilities while their children take part in exciting and rewarding activities in a safe environment.

Short Breaks’ activities take place outside of school hours, during school holidays, weekends or after school.

The Arts Development Company is one of many providers and focuses on arts-based activities, including taking part in dance, music, drama and visual art as well as visiting the theatre, a cinema or other arts organisation.