Punch & Judy

In the seaside town of Weymouth, beachgoers hearing a squeaky argument followed by roars of laughter have likely stumbled upon “Professor” Mark Poulton’s Punch & Judy Show—the beloved puppet act featuring a feisty husband and wife who end up bashing each other alongside a supporting cast. Poulton first saw a performance of the puppet duo as a child, and set his sights on becoming a Punchman.

Mr. Punch originated as a thuggish commedia dell’arte character named Pulcinella. His anglicized version arrived in London at the end of the seventeenth century. Punch became revered, easily recognized by his comic sparring and high-pitched voice (achieved by the Punchman placing a reed, or swazzle, in the back of his mouth). He became so popular that his absence at a 1773 puppet show caused audience members to riot and tear apart their benches.

Savvy puppeteers noted the rabid passion and opened theaters exclusively featuring the marionette couple of Punch and Joan (as Judy was then known), but more economical glove puppet versions soon appeared in street booths. The change of venue ushered in a new red and yellow jester outfit for Punch, accessorized by his oft-used “slapstick” baton; Joan became Judy (easier to say through a swazzle); and the couple acquired a pet named Toby—played by a real dog. With the advent of British rail and the consequent popularity of seaside holidays, street booths soon became sand booths—as seen here.

Even as flashier entertainment has eclipsed puppetry’s popularity, the rambunctious duo continue to tickle audiences worldwide. Shows by the ocean are the most prevalent, and in Weymouth, Professor Poulton is the man to deliver them. His booth—built in 2005—may appear abandoned, but he’ll return for showtime, and leave his audience feeling pleased as Punch.

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