The Punch and Judy College of Professors doesn't run a regular programme of events, instead it seeks to celebrate the best of the Punch and Judy tradition whenever and wherever it can. It has published books, organised Punch and Judy Festivals, promoted Mr. Punch's best interests around the world and run regular searches for 'The Most Promising Young Prof' in order to encourage new talent. The College is always willing to discuss new ideas for events with intereststed parties. Some of our past activities are catalogued below.

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The College has organised two international festivals of Punch and Judy in conjunction with Aberystwyth Town Council in Wales. The festivals in 2001 and 2002 have seen College members perform alongside guest artists from overseas - notably Georges Vetters from Liège with the Tchantchès, the folk hero of that region. Evening performances for adults and children were also given in the local Arts Centre where College members explained the skills and traditions of the show. A giant dancing Punch, Judy and Baby paraded the promenade with a jazz band whilst passers-by made their own crocodile puppets at the art workshop stall.

The College has made two appearances at the London International Mime Festival - including performances in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall. These high profile appearances attracted much attention, including that of Roger Law (co-creator of Spitting Image) who included interviews that celebrated the laughter-bringing anarchy of the tradition in a BBC radio documentary he was making on Mr. Punch.

In 1987 the College contributed greatly to the 325 Celebrations in Covent Garden marking the 25th anniversary of the unveiling of the plaque there in Punch's honour. The gathering was featured in the 1990 Guinness book of Records. Originally unveiled in 1962 the plaque celebrated the 300th. anniversary of the first sighting in the UK (as recorded in the diary of Samuel Pepys) of the Italian puppet show from which Punchinello - later Mr. Punch - emerged. The College produced a book at the time entitled Mr. Punch's Progress: a salute to the star of the show.The book is still in print and can be bought online via the College Shop.

The College has made an award to Prof David Wilde of York for his work in bringing to public attention the 17th C. 'York tradesman's token' which helped to solve the riddle of the size of Punch's nose in that era. (It was big! No conclusive visual evidence was available before the existence of this token was discovered) The College has also delivered the Slapstick Symposium papers to open debate on current issues relating to the tradition. It runs regular searches to find and encourage The Most Promising Young Prof' and so nurture new talent. College members have provided the Punch and Judy sequences for numerous radio and TV programmes and feature films. As well as maintaining some of the last beach pitches in England College Profs also perform at festivals around the world from Russia, to the USA, Israel, the Gulf, Japan and South America - helping to prove that the basic humour of the Punch and Judy Show is truly universal.