#626 | The Strange Story of Punch and Judy

He wears a red hat, carries a stick, and laughs as he beats almost everyone he meets.

This episode tells the odd, violent story of Punch and Judy, the puppet show that began in Italy and became a British seaside symbol.

It looks at how Mr Punch survived for over 300 years, and why many now question whether he still belongs on the beach.

The swazzle and Mr Punch's strange squeaky voice

Italian street theatre origins and Pulcinella

Arrival in London in 1662 with Samuel Pepys

From marionettes to glove puppets and slapstick action

The 1828 book and forgery doubts

Judy, the baby, the policeman, the crocodile and the devil

Violent plot and the "That's the way to do it!" catchphrase

Rise at the seaside with Victorian railways

Mr Punch and the humour magazine Punch