As pleased as Punch

I know that Punch and Judy is a puppet show and not a book but while I was out on the weekend doing some research for my blog, I stumbled upon a traditional Punch & Judy booth and there was a show going on.  After watching for a while and taking a few pics, it prompted me to do a little digging to find the origins of the puppet show that’s slightly non PC.

The origin of Mr Punch was developed in Italy in the 16^th century and was known as Pulcinella or in English, Punchinello. Punch’s wife was originally known as Joan and they were marionette puppets.

Punch & Judy pub at Covent Garden Market.

The first Punch & Judy shows in England were recorded in 1662, performed by Italian puppet showman, Pietro Gimonde and were witnessed in Covent Garden London.  As time went by, the puppet shows became too expensive and one man booths were developed to house a glove puppet show. The operator or the puppeteer was known as a Professor or Punchman.  The character of Punch went from a marionette that said comedic things, to a violent and aggressive glove puppet.

The characters in the show, apart from Punch and his wife Judy, include their baby, a crocodile and a hangman would you believe it. My favourite is Joey the clown who is a bit of a trickster and likes to upset Punch with his shenanigans.  Although the Punch and Judy show centres around violence, whether you’re seeing them for the first time or the thirtieth time, you can’t help but laugh.  It’s funny to watch a puppet beat another puppet with a slapstick. After all, it is just a puppet show.

Punch and Judy is normally entertainment found near the seaside so when I stumbled across the booth I was delighted. The shows are timeless and although there are no books, there have been scripts written and published for the puppets.  They have proved to be so popular over the years that many establlishments have borrowed the name Punch.

The Punch Tavern - Fleet Street London.

The squeaky voice of Mr Punch is one of the most recognisable in England and a testament to the traditions that continue to entertain us all. His catch phrase, ‘That’s the way to do it,’ is as recognisable as the voice. Which pleases me once again to let you know that, Once upon a time in Russell Square London, (on the weekend to be precise) I stumbled upon a show that inspired me to find out the origins of a couple of crazy puppets – just in case you wanted to know.