World Record London: Punch and Judy in Covent Garden

Covent Garden was home to the first Punch and Judy shows, traditional puppet performances dating from the 1600s.

History of Punch and Judy in Covent Garden

In May 1662 Samuel Pepys, the famous diarist, wrote about a Punch and Judy show being staged in Covent Garden.

At the time, the area was famous for its bohemian crowd near many of the city's theatres, and the puppet show was primarily aimed at adults.

In the 19th century Punch and Judy shows evolved into a children's entertainment, and the puppet show really caught on. With the popularity of seaside holidays increasing throughout the British Isles, Punch and Judy became famous features along the British coastline.

Punch and Judy remain popular today, with the puppet duo making appearances alongside variations on The Crocodile, The Baby, The Constable, and those infamous sausages, at festivals, carnivals and children's parties across the UK.