There is nothing so pleasing as genuine laughter. I was performing my Punch and Judy Show recently up in the North East and there was one little boy who giggled and giggled from the very start to the very end. It was an absolute delight. There is something magical about the interaction between the children and the puppets. It doesn’t matter where you are nearly all groups of kids react in the same way. They just seem to love the good old fashioned knock about fun.
Of course it’s not just the children who are having a great time. From inside my puppet theatre I can hear the grown ups laughing too. Sometimes they are joining in as much or even more than the children.
How often have you sat in front of the television watching a comedy and listening to all the piped laughter thinking this is not funny. I know I have many times. Its very refreshing to hear people laughing out loud because they really are enjoying and finding funny what they see.
When I am standing inside my puppet booth I am unable to see the audience. I rely on hearing them to gauge reaction and to time my performance. It is wonderful to work the puppets and trigger spontaneous laughter. It makes it all worthwhile.
I am looking forward to summer and taking Mr Punch out on his rounds once again. Hopefully we will bring smiles and happiness to regular fans and make many new friends to.
That’s the way to do it!
Punch and Judy makes a comeback!
