SOCIALLY-DISTANCED Punch and Judy shows will be returning to a Dorset beach this weekend.
Professor Joe Burns, proprietor of the Swanage Punch and Judy show, will be trialling Punch and Judy, with smaller audience sizes and a more secure venue.
He said: “The show is moving just for this year to a more contained area, so we can restrict the numbers of people gathering to watch the show at two-metres social distance. I think we’ll probably be able to perform to around 30 people each show. Our audience’s safety is paramount to us.”
To spread out the crowds for the performances, Prof Burns will be adding a fourth show to his schedule. “It’s going to be tough in the heat, the show turns into a mini sauna while I’m working, maybe I should rent it out in between shows.”
And yes, the Prof has confirmed there will be some winks to recent news stories in the performance.
"There are always topical jokes in the show," he said. "There’s so many I could make now. I’m not sure how I could get Mr Punch to have an eye test by driving to Barnard Castle, though.”
Professor Joe Burns can be seen on Swanage Beach - initially just for this weekend but, if all goes well, he will return every weekend for the rest of the season.
Punch and Judy is also a popular attraction in Weymouth, run by Professor Mark Poulton.
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