Successful Punch & Judy – Second Edition

The first edition of this guide to the skills and traditions of performing with the UK’s national puppet by ‘Prof’ Glyn Edwards was first issued in 2000. Since then it has become the standard work on the theory and practice of the Punch and Judy Show.

Only a few amendments have been made to the original text but what enlivens this new version is the addition of colour photos. In particular, the stages of erecting the booth and how to make a swazzle are much better understood this way than from the line drawings of the previous edition. The only significant textual change to this indispensible handbook for beginners and professionals is how the question of whether or not the performer needs to use a swazzle. The author explains that this change came about because while writing between editions ‘The Art of Punch & Judy’ –a companion volume which goes well beyond the basics, he managed to pin down his answer to this question.

There are 106 pages, numerous illustrations, marginal notes and quotes with information on how to make the puppets and booth; put a show together, speak with Punch’s voice, and perform tested routines. It includes a contemporary script, a brief history of the show –which every Prof ought to know, and a particularly good insight into Punch’s character and most importantly, how to get in tune with it in order to participate in and perpetuate what has proved to be an enduring living tradition.

The price is £12.00 plus p&p.
Copies can be purchased online at DaSilva Puppet Books and at Mask and Puppet Books
or by email to office@thefedoragroup.com

A back cover illustration from the collection of Martin Brindle