Punch & Judy Shows
Saturday 21 August & Sunday 22 August at: 12 Noon, 2pm & 3:30pm
The Piazza, The Parade, Margate
**Free Shows**
With his wicked grin and beaky nose Mr Punch is known around the world, making him the most infamous puppet character of all time. His unique career as a street entertainer has lasted for 350 years and his naughty antics are as popular as ever. His comic irreverence gave 'PUNCH' magazine its title. His anarchic energy has inspired opera, ballet and punk rock and his enduring popularity has seen his likeness on goods ranging from Victorian silverware to computer video games.
From his first appearance in England, Mr Punch was a hit with the general public and nobility alike. Mr Punch so entertained Samuel Pepys that he is mentioned several times in his celebrated diary (as was Margate Ale!). The first of these was on 9 May 1662, saying that he had been 'mighty pleased' by an Italian puppet show near St. Paul's Church in London's Covent Garden, and it is from this entry that Punch's 'birthday' is now traditionally celebrated by today's Punch and Judy community.
Professor David Wilde learnt his craft on the London Streets around the famous Covent Garden, where peps first spotted Mr Punch. He is an authority on this branch of puppetry and has been a leading member of the Punch and Judy Fellowship and of The College of Punch & Judy Professors.
David has a wealth of experience presenting Punch & Judy shows al fresco and this traditional show is authentic and one of the best to be seen in Britain.
The Punch & Judy Man Talk
Sunday 22 August at 5pm
The Community Pharmacy Gallery
16 Market Place, Margate Old Town, CT9 1ES
**Free Talk**
It’s tea-time, so grab a cup of tea and come along for this illuminating talk.
Professor David Wilde is an expert on the various styles of Punch figures and identifying their makers. He has one of the largest collections of Punch and Judy puppets in the world and is frequently called upon to identify and value figures by the leading auction houses.
Many famous makers are represented in David's collection including the vent work of Leonard Insull and Punch figures by Quisto, Wal Kent, Bryan Clarke, Tony Green, Joe Parsonage, Teddie Corden, Geoffrey Felix, Miraiker Battey, Mary Edwards and a host of others.
One of the real prizes of the David Wilde collection is surely the Wal Kent Punch figure which was used by Tony Hancock in the film The Punch and Judy Man. Tracking down this puppet took years of detective work by David and his Grandfather and the figure was eventually located on the Continent. Having found the owner it then took a great deal of persuasion before this important piece of Punch history could be returned to Britain to join this unique collection.
Puppet Making: Children's Workshops
Monday 23 to Friday 27 August from 10:30 to 1pm & 2:30pm to 5pm
The Community Pharmacy Gallery
16 Market Place, Margate Old Town, CT9 1ES
**Free workshops**
Regional artists Total Pap make the ultimate Punch & Judy papier-mâché puppets. The King and Queen of papier-mâché will teach you, over the week, how to make brilliant figures from recycled paper and paints - once you start, you'll never stop!
Come along and make: Mr Punch or Judy, the Baby, Toby the Dog, The Policeman or a large String of Sausages!
If you don’t have enough time to finish your puppet, don’t worry as a full fact sheet will be available.
Please note: Adults must be accompanied by a child.
Workshops are suitable for ages 5+. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied.
You may turn up on the day to take part in these workshops. However we suggest that you book early to reserve your place - 24 places per workshop. E-mail heather.sawney@thanet.gov.uk Tel: 01843 577428
Margate’s own Punch & Judy and Story-Tellers Booth
A Secret Location!
Leading up to the Dippers & Dunkers festival, cabinet maker extraordinaire Patrick Schroeter of Pigmillion Designs is making a Punch & Judy Booth that can also be used as a backdrop for story-telling and other arts activities.
Patrick is building the booth using original designs and artisan craftsmen skills, when he has finished making it, he will pass it on to another skilled artisan.
Scenic artist Tony Statham, has a wide range of credits, from painting the scenery for several Hollywood blockbusters at Pinewood Studios, to creating signage for the Old Town in Margate.
Tony will use his imagination to create a double-sided ‘cabinet of wonder’ that will become a fixture in many of our future events.
The booth, will ‘appear’ in one of the exhibition spaces during the festival and we are sure will capture your imagination!
Please note: All images are under strict copyright to Total Pap. Full permission needs to be granted for any usage whatsoever.