Performance Information
A HUGE thank you to Bagwell Farm Touring Park for donating a pitch, where i can park up my humble VW Transporter while I'm in Weymouth.
If you are thinking of camping or touring with a caravan - then please check out there website, it really is a fantastic touring park.
Running the show explained.
Running a Punch & Judy show on the beach is a business and like any other business and is run by me, Prof Mark Poulton. (All Punch showmen are traditionally called “Professors.”)
I am required to purchase a permit or licence that allows me to operate the show on the beach and employ ‘bottlers’ as they are known, to collect contributions from the audience both on the beach and on the Esplanade.
I design, make, paint and sew most things connected with the show including the theatre, the puppets and do all my own signwriting.
How I operate the show.
“I rely totally on your contributions since, I am not paid to perform the shows on the beach and they help to ensure this 150-year-old tradition in Weymouth continues in future”.
At each performance Mr Punch is confident that you will have enjoyed the show SO much that you’ll be happy to contribute just £2 per person!
Please note: This really is my main source of income.
I am very grateful to local people and visitors on holiday for all your support and generosity, thank you!
Mr Punch and all the puppet cast hope you have a lovely holiday and trust you will enjoy joining in and watching the show as much as I enjoy performing it!
That’s the WEY to do it!!
"As part of my research on the Punch tradition I've watched most of the best Punch and Judy performers in the world many times;
Professor Poulton is without doubt one of the very best. He is probably the most experienced beach Punchman working today having performed his show literally thousands of times at Weymouth and elsewhere. If you want a taste of the tradition at its most authentic and entertaining, you couldn't do better than watch Mark's show".
Dr Martin Reeve, Punch and Judy Historian.
If you find yourself in Swanage, don't forget to check out 'Prof Joe Burns Punch & Judy.
He watched the performances at Weymouth when he was a child and was inspired to take up performing the show.
He runs his show the same traditional way as myself - renting the pitch from the council and relying on the honesty of the audience to drop contributions in the box.
The SWANAGE Punch & Judy show
The 2023 beach shows start over the May half term (May 27th - June 4th) and then will return most days from July 22nd until September 3rd. (Weather permitting).
There will be no shows on August 18th, 19th and 20th.
I'm still struggling with my mobility, so there maybe the odd day I'm not able to open but will do my best to open most days.
Performances at 12.00 and 2.30.
Evening shows will be given if there are fireworks - I'm still waiting to hear about any).
The cost is £2 for adults and children - which is still cheaper than a cup of coffee or ice cream.