In 1662 Samuel Pepys recorded watching a puppet show featuring Mr Punch in Covent Garden. This event is celebrated each year at the Spring Fayre and Puppet Show in St Paul's churchyard in Covent Garden. Punch and Judy professors and puppeteers come from all over the country and some from other countries to perform and to show their hand made puppets.
The character of Punch originates from the Italian Commedia dell’arte theatre tradition and Samuel Pepys recorded seeing ‘an Italian puppet play – a great resort for gallants within the rayles of Covent Garden’. Punch was originally a string puppet but was introduced as a glove puppet by Giovanni Piccini who left Italy in 1779. He came to live in the Coal Yard in Covent Garden and died in the workhouse in 1835 aged 90.
Taken from Alternative arts website
I wonder if adults still want children to see Punch's bad behaviour, especially regarding his wife Judy and their baby.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun festival for puppet play
ReplyDeleteWe had a professional 'Punch & Judy' at the museum some years ago. We wondered how the kids would react. How foolish of us, the kids know better than adults. A group of 35 or so kids sat for 45 mintes, without once moving, and laughed their way through the show. Kids know truth instinctively, adults follow the crowd.
ReplyDeletethat would be an interesting Fayre to visit.
ReplyDeleteQuite an event!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen one of these in years, I have his book too, it's quite fascinating.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly looks a colourful and fun event.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
I'm amazed that the old wife-beater is still allowed to ply his trade in these "enlightened" times. There always used to be a Punch and Judy man at Thriplow Daffodil Weekend - all the children loved it, not to mention the adults!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a fun and sunny day. Enjoy your week. And thankyou for visiting my blog a couple of weeks ago. So sorry it has taken so long to reply.
ReplyDelete