Additional reporting by Charlie Carey
Calls are mounting for a traditional Punch and Judy show to drop scenes depicting domestic violence.
A fixture of English culture since the 17th century, the slapstick puppet performances have long been part of the summer scene on Broadstairs beach.
But after the town council agreed to spend £3,000 to stage shows this year, the UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, has called on organisers to “remove or reimagine violent elements”.
“At the heart of these classic performances are repeated scenes of domestic abuse – including Punch hitting his wife Judy and their baby,” a Refuge spokesperson said.
“While some may view these scenes as slapstick or symbolic, it’s important to recognise the harm that can come from normalising violence.
“We encourage performers and organisers to retain the fun and spirit of Punch and Judy while removing or reimagining violent elements that risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
“Domestic abuse should never be the subject of comedy.”
And while some beachgoers have voiced support for Punch and Judy, Margate’s Oasis domestic abuse organisation has called for the shows to be dropped altogether.
“As a service supporting those affected by domestic violence, we believe public events should strive to promote messages of respect and safety in relationships,” spokeswoman Juliette Lyons said.
“We encourage organisers to consider the potential impact of such performances on survivors and young audiences, and to seek alternatives that do not normalise or make light of violence in any form.”
In recent years, Punch and Judy performances have been cancelled across the country.
Notably, in 2016, the plays were halted in Barry, Wales, over fears they trivialised violence.
Organisers then dropped Punch and Judy from a fete in the village of Saltfleetby after the parish council objected in 2023.
Then, in 2024, puppet shows that enthralled visitors for more than 120 years in the seaside resort of Eastbourne – perhaps the UK’s longest running – were axed.
Yet, Broadstairs and Saint Peter’s Town Council will pay £2,850 to children’s entertainer Ben Hasker, aka Ben Bamboozled, to ensure the show goes on at Viking Bay this summer.
Mr Hasker, 39, who has performed Punch and Judy around Kent for more than 15 years, says “it would be a shame” to see the plays disappear.
“I’m not going to be there to offend anyone – it’s a traditional children’s show for modern audiences. I’ve never had a complaint,” he said.
“Punch and Judy has rolled with the times, it has evolved through the years, it’s great.
“The belief that they are dying out is a bit of a myth.
“In my experience, they have never been so popular, and it’s terrific the council has paid – not many do that.
“The town has a long-running history of hosting Punch and Judy. It would be such a shame to lose it.”
Mr Hasker is expected to perform 33 shows, free of charge to the public, across 11 days between July and August.
Originating in Italy, Punch and Judy has been popular in England since the 17th century.
Often depicting scenes of violence and physical comedy, the story revolves around Punch, a grotesque, hunchbacked character, and Judy, his wife.
Yet it has recently been subject to criticism over misogyny, as Judy often nags her husband and sometimes bears the brunt of his blows.
When KentOnline visited Viking Bay on Monday, beachgoers shared mixed opinions on the show’s future.
Robert Hall, of Ramsgate, said: “There’s a lot of historic value to Punch and Judy, but certain things change over time, and in this day and age it wouldn’t represent the way a marriage should be.
“As long as people take it for what it is, which is like a living animation, you see the same sort of thing in Tom and Jerry.”
Nick Anselmi, of Broadstairs, added: “I think it’s a good thing – it’s a traditional, English seaside thing and it’s good that it is coming back.
“I don’t think domestic violence enters any child’s mind when watching it, it’s just good fun.”
Cee Birch, 87, who also lives in the town, added: “I don’t go down to see it myself because I’m 87, but I think it’s good for the kids and it’s something fun for them on the beach.”
However, she says the performances “possibly do trivialise domestic violence” and “can be interpreted as violent”.
A town council spokesperson said it is keen to continue offering a traditional seaside experience.
Punch and Judy, they say, is “part of that timeless and nostalgic experience, and we know our residents and visitors enjoy it”.
“The town council acknowledges the current cost-of-living crisis and, as a result, offers a range of free events and activities,” they added.
“The Punch and Judy performances – along with live music on the bandstand, summer theatre performances in the grounds of our building, and visits to Father Christmas with a complimentary gift at our Christmas Market – are part of that offering.”
