Punch & Judy Today > The World Tradition

Mr. Punch isn't alone. He is part of a whole family of rowdy rascals descended from Pulcinella the popular folk figure from Naples in Italy - one of the characters in the legendary Commedia D'ell Arte: the staggeringly succesful theatrical tradition for many centuries that combined farce, acrobatics, dance, music, song and slapstick. The character of Pulcinella was also featured in puppet shows and as the puppeteers travelled across Europe so the character took root in different countries - becoming Polichinelle in France, Petrushka in Russia and Punch in England.
The Punch and Judy tradition, spread, too, as British performers travelled the world. There have been American and Australian Punch and Judy performers recorded since at least the early 1800s. There are puppet traditions in most cultures around the world and amongst them you will usually find kindred spirits to Mr. Punch - immensely popular voices of the underclass poking fun at those setting themselves up as their elders and betters. And behind all of these characters stands the archetype of The Trickster - a magical figure found in most mythologies who uses his cunning, mischief and wits to surprise, shock and transform. Not only does the Punch and Judy Show have a long pedigree, it is part of a much wider world of similar popular folk drama.