A MAN who has been performing Britain's most traditional puppet show in Swanage for a decade claims it has only survived by 'going woke' - after Punch stopped hitting Judy.
Joe Burns, who runs one of the last regular remaining Punch and Judy shows, says it is growing in popularity in the modern era - after making changes to reflect domestic violence concerns.
The iconic seaside institution dates back to 16th century Italy but became popular in Britain with characters such as Baby, Constable and The Crocodile.
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But there were fears that what was once an attraction on almost every beach resort in the UK was under threat with numbers dwindling.
Joe said the show had faced a backlash from domestic violence campaigners over the hitting of Judy.
But since performances like his removed it, he said it had become more palatable to 21st century viewers.
This is despite some accusing the show of 'becoming woke', and saying it was 'just portraying harmless fun'.
He said: "Punch and Judy does seem to be having a revival at the seaside.
"Many complaints come from people who have not seen a Punch and Judy show in a long time. There’s misconceptions left, right, and centre about Punch.
"Most performers don’t hit Judy any more and it’s been that way for many years.
"Ultimately, Punch and Judy is a puppet show and children should be given the credit that they know it’s make believe.
"I changed my performance to reflect that as well. Bringing Punch and Judy to a more modern era.
"Punch has been in the UK for 364 years, it would never have survived if it didn’t adapt and change. My show is traditional, but also a 21st century show for a 21st century audience."
It's said that Weymouth and Swanage and Llandudno in Wales are the three beaches keeping the tradition alive and after each show a collector takes a bucket round asking for the small donation from spectators.
Joe, started doing professional Punch and Judy when he was just 12 and currently performs on Swanage Beach, where a show has been held since 1904.
He said he had no plans to stop soon and wanted to do everything he could to keep the tradition alive.
On Saturday August 22, Joe was joined by three other performers to celebrate his ten year anniversary.
One of the performers was 16-year-old William Vaughan, who recently completed his first summer residency on Sandbanks beach, representing a new generation keeping the tradition alive.
He added: "Mr Punch is our national Puppet, an icon of British culture.
"Punch and Judy is synonymous with a classic beach day out. There still are only three beaches that have full time shows operating through the summer, but there are now six additional pitches having ad hoc shows performing, which is invaluable to the craft.
"The more people who see good quality shows will realise that Punch and Judy at its best is fantastic entertainment. Hopefully it also means more events hire top quality Professors."
Joe said since the May half term to today he has performed nearly 150 shows and said the beaches have been heaving with crowds during the heatwaves.
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