Thursday 9 July 2009

Punch and Judy

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek


Photo copyright of Maggie May.


I'm not quite sure whether those of you from overseas will know just what a Punch and Judy show is.
It seems that this puppet show is a British thing and is a tradition that goes way back to the middle ages.
They are usually to be found on a beach in a seaside town, but this one was on a green patch in a park.

If you want to find out just exactly what a Punch and Judy show is, then go here.

Traditionally Punch and Judy are a married couple and the male, Punch is dressed as a jester and has a hooked nose. Judy is his long suffering wife, who is often at the receiving end of a rolling pin. There is a baby that also gets thrown around, and also a crocodile and a string of sausages in the story, not forgetting the Policeman with his truncheon, who tries hard to keep Punch from hurting his family.
Sounds really bizarre when put down in writing and it is certainly not politically correct. However, children of many generations have enjoyed this puppet show and still seem to, judging by the captive audience watching this one.
I stumbled on this show quite by accident and the crowd of children sitting in a circle watching the puppets was in complete awe. Some things never change.
I just had to take a photo of the show.



Photostory Friday is hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek. Why not look them up?

25 comments:

Nessa said...

Many things have suffered in the name of political correctness. One of my favorite story books from childhood involved was a German book where children got their fingers chopped off for not cleaning their fingernails.

Anonymous said...

I loved Punch and Judy Puppet shows. I remember them vividly from my childhood. I haven't thought about them in so long. Thanks for the great memory.
XXXXXX

Chris said...

We have a great Shakespearean Festival here in Utah, and occasionally they'll break out the Punch and Judy show - VERY British humor!

Robyn said...

I swear there used to be some show on TV about them, since I knew exactly what you were talking about.

Izzy, Emmy 'N Alexander said...

lol, sounds interesting, although I myself have never heard of them either.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

Sounds rather entertaining, thanks for sharing it with us on the other side of the pond.

Irene said...

In the Netherlands we have the exact same thing as the Punch and Judy Show, except the are called Jan Klaassen en Katrijn. They also go back to the middle ages and are still very popular and absolutely not politically correct, which makes them so much fun. Katrijn beats Jan Klaassen with the rolling pin and Jan Klaassen drinks too much.

Corey~living and loving said...

Great PSF! I have never seen one in person...but it sounds like something have seen on TV sometime.

Have a happy weekend.

Marian Dean said...

When I was growing up in Southport Lancashire, I used to look forward every year to the P&J arriving, I remember at one opening, my brother and I were the only ones watching. We didn't mind the cold on that first day. Lovely memory.
Love Granny

Suburbia said...

Such a colourful photo!

I may sound like a spoil sport, and it's for children really, but I detest Punch and Judy!!!! (sorry!)

Anonymous said...

I've always found Punch & Judy creepy! I know, I know, I talk to ghosts and yet I don't like Punch & Judy - but you know I'm odd!!

CJ xx

Rose said...

Thanks to television and the movies, I have seen an example of the Punch and Judy show. Isn't it funny how some of the old traditions are still so enjoyable to children today? If the PC people got ahold of this, Punch would be in jail and the baby taken away by Social Services, leaving Judy all by herself:)

Hilary said...

Punch and Judy scared me as a child, and reading your description (most of which hasn't stayed with me) still kind of creeps me out. But it sure makes for a fine photo. :)

kayerj said...

I remember a few references to punch and judy when I was a kid, but I must admit I remember the one from Mash the best

SandyCarlson said...

I have seen them in movies but never in real life. I love your photo!

imbeingheldhostage said...

I was aware of Punch and Judy before coming over here, but haven't been fortunate enough to see one yet... Great photo story!

Anonymous said...

Used to know a punch and Judy man here in the Bay, he showed me the flat whistle he put under his tongue to make the typical voices of the puppets.

Indrani said...

This is something new to me. We have puppet shows from Rajasthan which is famous all over.

Salute said...

Sounds like a great show though I never heard of them.

Expat mum said...

They used to scare the wits out of me - just like clown dolls!

cheshire wife said...

Punch and Judy is something that I have not seen for years. That is what comes of holidaying abroad! Lovely colourful photo.

Maternal Tales said...

D'you know what? - This has just made me realise that I have never taken my children to see a Punch and Judy show - and I even live by the sea!!! Terrible Mother I am. Right, thanks for reminding me. I'll do something about it now...x

Susan English Mason said...

This brought back memories. There used to Punch and Judy puppet shows at the mall near where I grew up. It was really fun.

bindhiya said...

loved your photo story..
now please stop by at my place.. i have something for you..
♥ & ((hugs))
bindi

Unknown said...

I didn't know Punch and Judy were still around. How fun!