The Wigmore Lectures - Punch and Judy
Type: Literature
208 Fairview Avenue
Wigmore
Gillingham
Kent
ME8 0PX
Tel: 01634 338319
The Wigmore Lectures - Punch and Judy - a lecture by Bertie Pearce
Wednesday, 15 February, 8pm
Tickets: £3.75
Mr Punch is the most famous puppet character of all time. His comic irreverence gave Punch magazine its title and his anarchic vitality has inspired opera, ballet and punk rock, while his enduring popularity has seen his likeness on goods ranging from Victorian silverware to computer games.
Appearing first in England in 1662, Punch is descended from the Pulcinella, a character from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte tradition, with its roots in circus and clowning dating back to the 15th century. Even today this Lord of Misrule uses his slapstick to dispense with oppressive authority, be it politicians, political correctness or the devil, while proclaiming his notorious refrain: “That’s the way to do it!” Bertie
Pearce, a member of the Inner Magic Circle, is a Professor of Punch and Judy. He inherited a fascination with conjuring from his maternal grandfather and has performed as a conjuror all over the world. As a speaker he has toured extensively, sharing his passion for illusion, Victorian pastimes and Punch and Judy.
To download The Wigmore Lecture Programme 2011/12, please go to the website.
