|
|
Home >>> That’s the way to do it! - how to become a Punch and Judy Professor.It’s got domestic violence, a brutal murder and a public execution but kids love it - and secretly some adults do, too! So how can you join the fun? The Punch and Judy story has meaning for kids of all ages and if you are a performer at heart this is just the business for you. The earliest recorded sighting of Mr. Punch was by Samuel Pepys, in 1662, where he attended a performance of Pollicinella near St. Paul's Church in London’s Covent Garden. Later the name Pollicinella was shortened to Punch. Since then Punch and Judy have rarely been out of the news. Indeed, in February 2004 John Styles, founder member of The Punch and Judy College of Professors was awarded the MBE "for services to the Arts: especially Punch & Judy Shows" in the Queen's 2004 New Year's Honours List. Punch and Judy Professor Glyn Edwards runs The Punch and Judy College of Professors website punchandjudy.org where he explains why Mr. Punch has survived for so long…… “He is constantly renewing himself and his particular brand of anarchic knockabout nonsense strikes a chord in every new generation that meets him.” Punch and Judy shows used to be an essential part of the British holiday experience and they have survived by changing with the times, so don’t expect to find them only at the seaside. The shows still have domestic violence, murder and mayhem, but in the 21st century Punch and Judy shows are more likely to be seen at children’s parties, summer fetes and in shopping centres than at the seaside. Many adults are making either a part time or full time income from this classic form of children’s seaside entertainment and there are many websites that will help the novice ‘Punch-man’ (and woman). Start with a visit to the website punchandjudy.com run by Chris Sommerville of the Harlequin Puppet Theatre in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. This is a great resource for novices and veterans alike. The site includes a selection of Punch scripts, instructions on how to create the ‘swazzle’ (so that you can make Mr Punch’s distinctive voice), advice on constructing the Punch and Judy booth and information on where to get the puppets. Each performance requires a number of puppet characters, including Punch, Judy, a doctor, a policeman, the devil and a dog called Toby. Your props will include Mr. Punch’s ’slapstick’ and some sausages! If you can, start off by visiting a Punch and Judy show. Watch the audience and see how children are captivated by the mayhem taking place in front of them. Next get a set of puppets (or make your own) and get practicing. You will also need to construct your performance ‘booth’. Shows appeal to children of all ages - are there any in your family? If so, they can be your first audience, if not, its off to the seaside/ fete/ jumble sale or wherever you can offer your services for free. (Check council regulations if setting up at the seaside, though.) When you feel confident enough, start advertising your services in the Yellow Pages, supermarkets, notice boards etc. Price your services competitively with other children’s entertainers, taking into account travelling expenses and duration of the show. Fees from £100 or £150 would not be unreasonable, depending on what your act involves, but do some research first. You may be able to boost your income by providing other forms of entertainment, such as additional stories, face painting, songs and balloon modelling. At children’s parties, you could offer a going home ’lucky bag’ consisting of toys and sweets (and your business card, of course!). As a professional ‘Punch-man’ (or woman) you will be entering a tradition that extends over 400 years. If you are a performer at heart this may be the business for you. However, to become a successful ‘Punch-man’ you need practice, practice and more practice. ’That’s the way to do it‘, as Mr Punch would say. Resources Helpful web sites: Great Punch and Judy resources at www.punchandjudy.com The Punch and Judy College of Professors www.punchandjudy.org Search ebay.co.uk for Punch and Judy puppets which come up every so often. Also puppets available from www.colinjohnmagic.co.uk/ www.puppetbooks.co.uk (has specific section dedicated to P&J books) ‘Prof’ Glyn Edwards runs another great site - www.punch-and-judy.com - which has links and information on training. Helpful addresses:
Puppet Books FAX: +44(0) 1869 245 793 Email: Dasilva@puppetbooks.co.uk Puppets available from:-
Colin John Magic
14 Fouracre Close
Tel UK: 0845 1260352 (local rate call) |
Recommended Reading. There are now books associated with this - see resources below |
|
© 2004, www.bizmania.net
|