Performers welcome 'magical' Punch and Judy return

A puppeteer says he is "really excited" to bring Punch and Judy shows back to an East Sussex seaside town after two years.

Punch and Judy shows will return to Eastbourne seafront from Tuesday, 21 July until 27 August every Tuesday and Thursday, which performers say is "part of the classic British seaside experience".

The shows, which will also include a puppet variety performance on the Wish Tower Slopes, come after the town's former Punch and Judy performer retired in 2024 after 34 years of shows.

James Arnott, one of the performers taking over this summer, said: "We really believe in the strength of traditional puppets."

He added: "It's something magical. Punch has become very much a part of British culture.

"We want this to be a huge success."

Arnott, who has performed for more than 20 years with puppets, added that the Punch and Judy performances had been adapted for modern audiences to "ensure they are accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for all ages".

Shows have proven controversial in recent years over fears that the production's use of slapstick violence trivialises domestic abuse.

"Punch and Judy has always changed, and it will always be a show of its time", Arnott said.

He added: "There is some stuff that has been in there forever, but we need to think what we can include for parents and children.

"Last year it was Labubu - this year it is Love Island."

Punch and Judy shows will be performed by David Wilde, who trained in Covent Garden and has performed for King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

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