Shaun The Sheep

Warning: This article contains sheep puns.

Chaplin, Keaton, and Lloyd, have a new challenger in their silent comedy flock, in the woolly hoof-prints of Shaun the Sheep. Undisputed star of the 1995 Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit short film A Close Shave, has appeared in his own spin-off series of 40 7-minute episodes on CBBC. You might have missed them however because they are going out in the middle of the afternoon, when only those who aren’t working, or who have Sky+ can see it.

The series follows the adventures of Shaun and the rest of his flock as they join in his latest madcap schemes, from synchronised swimming in the sheep-dip to disguising themselves in the scarecrow’s clothes.

Me and the girlfriend have been happily working our way through the series, giggling like schoolgirls. Now I may be a 21 year-old male, but there is mutton to be ashamed of in finding Shaun the Sheep one of the most charming, silly, and entertaining kids shows for years. Like the Oscar-winning Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, the series is packed full of references for the adults, with nods to Rocky, Psycho, The Little Shop of Horrors, and Spinal Tap among others.

Not only that, Ardman Animations have announced that there is a new Wallace and Gromit mini-film in the works! You have to hand it to Nick Park, he’s shear determination to create some of the finest animated work continues unabaaaaated! You’ll be able to see the new film “Trouble At’ Mill” on BBC One in late 2008.

Selected episodes were released on DVD, and although I would have preferred to have the complete series, you should pick it up whilst waiting for Wallace and Gromit’s next outing. Trust me, ewe’ll love it!