Punch and Judy getting woke makeover in bid to make show more female-friendly

PUNCH and Judy is getting a woke makeover — in a bid to make the slapstick seaside show more female-friendly.

A new version of the traditional puppet show will feature colours of the non-binary Pride flag.

Academics have made the changes after criticism that Punch’s aggressive behaviour towards his wife Judy was making light of domestic abuse.

In the remake, characters’ costumes will reflect “modern and feminist ­influences”.

Typically, Mr Punch is seen in red and yellow, while Judy wears a blue dress with white pinny and hat.

But the new version — created by the University of Exeter’s puppetry expert Dr Alissa Mello — will use yellow, white, purple and black outfits, the colours of the non-binary Pride flag.

She said: “Punch and Judy is both iconic and culturally contentious.

Some audiences view it as misogynistic and making light of domestic violence.

But equally, others understand it as unruly, romping family entertainment.

“We are very much aware of those sensitivities at the outset, and we think there could be an interesting dialogue.

“I hope it deepens our understanding of Judy. It is part of a much larger question of the relationship of women and the way gender is performed on stage in puppetry in general.”

Former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe blasted: “I can’t believe it. You must be pulling my leg.

“I can’t believe anybody would be so stupid — let alone university researchers.

“They are achieving nothing by doing this. It’s bonkers.”

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Amir Razavi

January 13, 2024 8:35 pm