Punch and Judy are the main characters in a type of comic puppet show popular in England. Punch is a hook-nosed hunchback who wears a traditional Italian costume. Judy is his wife. A typical Punch-and-Judy show has much rough, violent humor. In the show, Punch usually beats his child, quarrels with his wife, and kills her and sometimes other characters. Punch is brought to trial and sentenced to death, but escapes punishment through trickery.
The character of Punch combines English, French, and Italian influences. His name came from Pulcinella, a popular character in Italian theater during the 1600’s. Punch-and-Judy puppet shows were introduced into England from continental Europe in 1662. By the 1800’s, Punch-and-Judy shows were being presented in portable puppet theaters at fairs or on the streets throughout England. By 1742, Punch-and-Judy shows were brought to America, but they never gained the popularity they enjoyed in Britain.
