Judy’s name was originally Joan, a common, popular name in the 16th and 17th centuries and the reason for the change is unknown but many believe the slang term ‘Judy’ for a “tramp’s woman,” may have been more fitting for the raucous, risque street shows. The last use of Joan was in 1818, about the same time that the puppets went from marionettes to hand puppets. Judy almost always wears a bonnet or a Georgian mob-cap. She comes on stage to bicker and fight with Punch, bring him the baby, and later come back to find the baby gone, chastise and argue with Mr Punch and then the violent anarchy begins!
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