Mr. Punch in the Arts: The Big Grin

Next year, in May of 2012, Mr. Punch will celebrate his 350th birthday. In celebration of Mr. Punch’s 1662 arrival in England for the wedding of “The Merry Monarch,” King Charles II, Punch and Judy aficionados across Britain will be staging a nationwide celebration called, “The Big Grin.”


The Big Grin will feature a great many different events. Appearances by Mr. Punch are a must, of course. He’ll be accompanied by Punch and Judy Professors from across the U.K. as part of a celebratory tour which will include a Punch and Judy Olympic Games, performances, school visits and a huge party.

As details for “The Big Grin” unfold, I’ll keep you posted. I wouldn’t mind seeing a 2012 celebration of Mr. Punch’s birthday in the U.S. That might be something we have to work on.