What Is Punch and Judy
Defining Punch and Judy's Show
Punch and Judy Show could be defined as: ‘a hand puppet show, usually performed by a single person, in a theatre built to suit, where the object is entertainment’. But what if the definition fell short of mentioning tradition, the swazzle or even audience interaction?
Should mention be made of the target audience’s age range or if the normal conventions of not having a talking crocodile, monkey or dog in it is overturned. Does this take the role of a production of traditional ‘nonsense’ too far?
A Punch and Judy show by some reckonings should, if it is to be considered as such, not only have a baby in it but also a ghost and perhaps even the Devil. Certain factors must be upheld. Mr. Punch must never apologise for his actions, nor sacrifice his stick on the altar of political correctness. He would never treat kindly, nor respect, figures in authority, the policeman, beadle or even a health and safety official. The crocodile should spring surprises on Mr. Punch and Joey’s sausages should be consumed by it. That’s right, the sausages are a clown’s prop. For me, Mr Punch must be swazzled. Not only is the sound so distinctive but it is this that makes the show other-worldly, helping it into the realms of fantasy.
If this is overlooked, the tendency is to turn a visual tradition into a more aural tradition. Too much talking slows the pace and fails to grab the soul of a true Punch and Judy Show.
Piccini, arguably, gave us the outline of today’s show but slavish retention to tradition opens doors to accusations of racism that, as entertainers, we may struggle to defend ourselves against. Having a coloured minstrel singer appear just because it is ‘traditional’ is a poor way to proceed. Who’s doing ‘the hanging routine these days?’
Labeling something as Punch and Judy, then not paying a significant nod to Punch’s lineage is, I would argue, a misrepresentation of we and what other Punch and Judy Show people are all about. So, have a second show by all means, one that may rely on two coloured boxers fighting or one where the sausage machine may come into play but ignoring the basic structure of Punch misbehaves, Punch is held to account, Punch triumphs, fails to deliver a Punch and Judy Show. Instead, it offers a puppet show whose characters include Punch and Judy.
Why does it matter? Well clients seldom get the opportunity, through financial constraint or imagination, to hire two Punch shows for the same (large) event. Fewer still will actually watch and/or compare the two. Most rely on visitor feedback but what do our audiences know? Provided they hear a squeaky voice and see a crocodile, then they’ll leave thinking they’ve seen a Punch and Judy Show. But have they? I doubt it.
Magicians who put their hand into Mr. Punch may not get this but we in the Punch & Judy Fellowship should and I would argue must, if the history, tradition and meaning is to carry-on.
Only quality entertainment will survive. Novelty soon wears thin especially with what’s on offer through with the ever-pervading Internet and social media, these days. So do a proper Punch and Judy Show or do a puppet play, one who’s guest superstar is Mr. Punch, and sell it as such. At least that way you are being honest and no-one is left in any doubt as what is being put on display.