Punch and Judy history

While the ‘Punch and Judy’ Puppet Show is most well known from the Victorian Era, the character of Mr Punch is much older. Before this time Mr Punch was known as ‘Punchinello’ and was very popular in 18th century England. Even before this Mr Punch can be traced from France to England in the 1660’s and from Italy to France in the 16th century! Simply the fact that we still see Mr Punch today is a testament to how loved this mischievous rascal is!!

The Punch and Judy Show 

While there is no set script for a Punch and Judy puppet show, most Punch and Judy shows contain the regular characters, Mr Punch and Judy (of course!), the Baby, the Policeman, Joey the clown and the Hangman for example. However there are many other Punch and Judy characters which can be included, mine consist of the above plus the Crocodile, the Doctor, the Ghost and the Boxers.

 

Popular Punch and Judy Puppets (click on link to read more)

• Mr Punch
• Judy
• The Baby
• The Clown (Joey)
• The Crocodile
• The Constable
• The Ghost or Skeleton
• The Doctor
• The Hangman (aka: Jack Ketch)
• The Beadle