New modern version of Punch & Judy created
Punch & Judy, the classic puppet act which has been around since 1662, has been revamped to appeal to modern audiences. Punch is now a tracksuit wearing benefits cheat who'll do anything to avoid work, while Judy is a wannabe WAG who has maxed out her credit card buying clothes she can't afford.
Digital channel GOLD has commissioned this new version to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the show and so as to 'drag the classic show kicking and screaming into the 21st century'. Comedy writers John Phelps and Gary Lawson have formulated the new version, which now features characters including Boris Johnson the policeman, Superhero Prince Harry, Judge Simon Cowell and Deputy PM Nick Clegg (aka Cleggy the Clown).
Research involving 2000 British parents triggered the revamp, after many said they found the traditional show to be a dying art form due to outdated themes. The survey also revealed that jokes around domestic violence and baby cruelty were a major turn-off for nearly half of parents, hence in the new version Punch is no longer a wife beater, and The Baby doesn't get dropped on its head.
In a damning indictment of what computer games and TV has done to modern children, the show has also been reduced to 25 minutes in length - according to research, this is apparently now the longest period that children's attention spans can cope with.
The new show features topics including The X Factor, the recession, fashion and politics. Audiences can witness Punch being brought to justice by bumbling Policeman Boris Johnson only to then face some swiftly dispensed showbiz justice courtesy of judge Simon Cowell. Nick Clegg appears as 'Cleggy the Clown', while superhero Prince Harry saves the day and offers his hand to a flirty Judy, who - with Fifty Shades of Grey in hand - is sorely tempted...
The new format includes a number of hate figures, including an 'EU Sausage Inspector', 'Longa the Loan Shark' and an un-named "famous female pop star who collects children".
It seems audiences are generally fans of the new format, but it should be noted not everyone is. Talking to The Daily Telegraph, veteran variety performer Ken Dodd said: "It's awful to use contemporary figures. They've done it in the past for satirical shows and it isn't funny."
Steve North, the boss of GOLD, comments: "Punch and Judy are quintessentially British and a hugely important part of our culture. This project is all about preserving that culture and introducing it to a new generation. It's important to note that this is not a politically correct makeover - indeed the new show is just as anarchic and funny as its always been, it's simply a modern day version with modern day themes that we can all relate to."
Co-writer John Phelps adds: "Punch and Judy have to be the best known dysfunctional family in Britain and the challenge was to retain the core knock-about 'slapstick' appeal which we have all come to know and love, whilst modernising the show in a way that would appeal to both kids and their parents. With subject matters ranging in scope from The X Factor to the recession, reality shows and eBay, through to fashion and politics we hope we have achieved that balance! The interesting thing for us was that by modernising the show we were actually taking the show back to its roots as satire and social comment played a key part in the early performances."
Puppeteer James Arnott concludes: "Every Punch and Judy show is different and there is no one set script - as such the format lends itself to a modern interpretation. I love the new show and believe it can happily co-exist with the traditional shows that have done so well over the last 350 years."
Punch and Judy Re-booted premiered at Covent Garden on Thursday, and is now set to tour the beaches. Great Yarmouth is up first on the 23rd August, and it'll be in Scarborough on the 24th.
Below is a video report from the Covent Garden show, hosted by actor Shaun Williamson:
More information about the show and further video footage can be found on the Gold website and Facebook page
Help us publish more great content by becoming a BCG Supporter. You'll be backing our mission to champion, celebrate and promote British comedy in all its forms: past, present and future.
We understand times are tough, but if you believe in the power of laughter we'd be honoured to have you join us. Advertising doesn't cover our costs, so every single donation matters and is put to good use. Thank you.
Love comedy? Find out more