That's the way to do it. Dawlish theatre teacher Nicola Howard is home once more after introducing the uniquely English Punch and Judy to the schoolchildren of Zambia.

The 37-year-old mother, responsible in the past for establishing the Kenton Kaotics and Dawlish Stormforce children's theatre projects, was invited to spend time in Lusaka earlier this year by a friend working with Voluntary Services Overseas.

Unsure of what her role would be, Nicola soon found herself in schools and orphanages when the idea of Punch and Judy popped into her head.

'They had never heard of it but really latched on quite quickly,' she said.

'A friend emailed over a picture he'd drawn and everyone soon realised there were lots of interesting characters.

'They were a bit worried about all the aggression at first but I explained it was only slapstick and they loved it.'

Rather than performing with traditional puppets Nicola encouraged the children and adults to play the parts of Punch, Judy, the policeman, crocodile, baby and others.

In a culture where children's playtime is uncommon, and the economy under strain, the shows went down a storm.

'The schools are huge, even primaries can have 1,000 pupils,' Nicola said. 'One deputy head told me there was no playtime, indeed only school if they were lucky, and afterwards it was straight home to carry out chores.

'They all really enjoyed it although having someone direct them at first they found quite difficult because by nature they are very democratic, it's the African way.' She added: 'I was really excited though, having 16 actors all just so keen for the opportunity to do something like this. It was a very moving experience.'

Nicola, who lives in Stonelands, is due to visit Zambia again this November to bring more theatre magic to the streets of Lusaka.