No two Punch and Judy performances are ever the same.
The retired puppeteer Pat seemed like the perfect fit for what I had in mind—a local female Punch and Judy performer with just the right voice. When I approached her and described the story I was envisioning, she listened carefully and told me that what I was planning to write would be incredibly powerful.
Was I ready to be challenged about my own experience with Punch and Judy? Absolutely not! I hadn't seen many shows myself, and like most people, I knew that each one was unique. The scripts are never written down for others to replicate. Much like their counterparts in Commedia dell'Arte, Punch and Judy shows evolve with the times and reflect current political views. They act as bearers of "the news," bringing it to audiences wherever they go—and the same goes for Punch and Judy.
Puppeteers have been using these archetypal characters for centuries, their origins tracing back to Commedia dell'Arte. For instance, when Mad Cow disease dominated the headlines, Professor Brian made local front-page news by having Mr. Punch declare that he wouldn't eat beef sausages. My research into various puppeteers' works revealed that, despite individual creativity, the same stock characters tend to appear.
There’s always Mr. Punch, Judy, and Baby, along with Scaramouche and the mischievous little dog Toby—once often played by a real dog. Other recurring characters include a singing, dancing black puppet, a clown, a devil, a doctor, an executioner or hangman, and a policeman or a figure symbolizing authority through the ages—not to mention the unforgettable crocodile. Beyond this, the roster often draws from the latest news or trending celebrities.
After searching extensively, I struggled to find a full Punch and Judy show online. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon ‘Preston’s Historic Punch and Judy’ in Adelaide, Australia, that I finally succeeded.
Part 1 https://youtu.be/a-yPfrcS2Zo
