Mr Punch

18/10/2023

It's a year ago that i did my last show. 45 years in the business on my own and a good couple of years before that helping my dad. Wouldn't change things for the world, happy days.

25/11/2022

Day off yesterday. Lounge today.

18/11/2021

Show times for Sleeping Beauty at The Witham Barnard Castle! thewitham.org.uk

15/11/2021

09/11/2021

17/06/2021

I have decided not to take any bookings to do Punch & Judy for the rest of 2021 because of these uncertain times. After losing my Marilyn and then not being able to work for the past 15 months my heart is simply not in it any more. If or when things do get back to normal i will make my mind up whether to retire fully or not, so watch this space. Saying this, you cant keep an old dog down and I am not finished with entertaining completely as i have just been offered a very exciting part in a Panto for this Christmas (more details to follow) which is something i have always wanted to do.

11/02/2021

Pinched this photo from a Punch and Judy page that i am following. This is my father on the left "Uncle Billy" at the 300th anniversary of Mr Punch in London 1962

02/01/2021

Big decisions this year. But first do i renew my web site? www.llewellyn4fun.com . It is going to cost me £185 to renew the starter host for another 2 years but i hardly ever update it these days the last time was in 2014. People use social media now so is it worth it?

02/12/2020

This is one box of fun and laughter that will not be opened this Christmas.... Such a shame. ☹️

13/10/2020

I was recently contacted by a gentleman from East Anglia saying that he once lived in our area and had an interest in P&J and magic. While having a clear out he had come across these photos of my dad and he has sent them to me. We think they are from 1975 in Thornaby but not 100% sure. Absolutely brilliant! Many, Many thanks Malcolm Cudmore (Malcolm Malan) https://www.facebook.com/64paintings

04/07/2020

I am beginning to get enquiries for Punch and Judy shows but i can not see that i will be able to accept any bookings for at least the next couple of months. My show needs large numbers all sat together so I don't think it would be feasible. I am checking daily for updates and keeping up with government guidelines. I will post if and when i can start again. Thank you for your understanding and patience. 👍

28/06/2020

My friend has a job lot of these little mirrors for sale. We used to sell them or give them away as a bonus when Marilyn did face painting, the kids loved them. Please share if you know anyone who could use them. Mac Book Style Cosmetic mirrors job lot of over 300. Will accept .50p each, or reasonable offer for the lot. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1138851846483301/?group_id=472163809488113&hoisted_items¬if_id=1593334178981312¬if_t=group_activity

07/06/2020

Happy anniversary to me. 43 years today I officially started my shows. The first being in Middridge village hall then on to do street parties in Newton Aycliffe for the Queen's Silver Jubilee. I would of probably would of been working today if it wasn't for this Coronavirus sh*te. God knows when I will be able to do another show...……….. If I ever do.

06/06/2020

A post from 2017, same date, 3 years on tomorrow will make it 43 years.

Tomorrow the 7th June 2017 will be my 40th anniversary with Mr Punch. I started doing shows for the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977 following in my fathers footsteps (he started on Coronation day in 1953) After a couple of practice shows for friends my first official show was on the morning of the big day at Middridge village hall then on to a couple of street parties in Newton Aycliffe. I wonder how many kids have had a laugh at Mr Punch and the gang’s antics over these past years, must be hundreds of thousands. Here’s to the next 40 years. The photo is the earliest picture I have, with dad, just before I started. Notice the booth does not even have a cover on as it was not made yet, and my old 4 digit phone number (that was a party line, no pun intended, we shared with next door).

03/06/2020

Whoops! missed an anniversary. Dad first started his show on June 2nd 1953 for the Coronation of our Queen. He was a comic magician and stage entertainer and was asked by Darlington council if he could do some entertainment at street parties that were being held around the town for the big day. He thought that his normal cabaret act was not really suitable and decided to try a Punch and Judy show instead. He bought a set of puppet heads from the Supreme magic book made by Guy Higgins and my mam dressed them and dad made a booth. He visited Darlington library and found a script from 1911 and adapted it to make his own show. When the big day came it was peeing down with rain and as he didn't have transport, he carried his props on an old pram to do his shows. As it was raining he set up his booth on the pavements outside houses and the kids sat in the passageways and looked out of the windows to watch the shows. He told me he did about 10 shows during the day and soaking wet and freezing cold he made his way back home to Drinkfield at the top of Whessoe Road. As he got under the railway bridge near Honeypot lane he collapsed and a policeman on a bike helped him drag the pram home. Slowly he gave up the other sides of his entertaining and concentrated on being a Punch and Judy man. I started my own show in 1977 for the Queens Silver Jubilee and we both did shows together (at the same venues on a couple of occasions) and dad continued till 1988 when I went professional doing shows full time. The photo is the earliest one I have showing my father with his show and at least he had a van then. More about my dad here. http://www.llewellyn4fun.com/DAD/index.html

08/05/2020

No shows so put Mr Punch's bunting to better use celebrating VE day.

21/04/2020

Happy birthday to the big fella who makes me talk funny and puts a smile on my face because he he has his hand up me bum.