Friday Fun: “Wicked Mr. Punch,” 1932



Punch Magazine, 1892

This unusually dark children’s song was recorded on September 21, 1932 in London for Decca Records. “Wicked Mr. Punch” was Al Bowlly with Arthur Lally and His Orchestra. The lyrics are as follows:

Wicked Mr. Punch meets Judy,
Makes a date for lunch, gets broody.
When she appears, he boxes her ears instead.
Now, Judy’s on the floor, shouts “Murder!”
Somebody next door, has heard her,
Follow the clue, it’s covered, it’s true, she’s dead.
What a dreadful tale of grief and woe,
To the village jail, Old Punch must go.
So the people cry, “Arrest him!”
And the coppers try to get him, 
But, Mr. Punch defiantly shouts, No! No!


I hope you enjoy this amusing little song...

Unusual Artifacts: The Punch Seal, 1749-1754

The Victoria & Albert Museum

I was thrilled to stumble across this remarkable item while cataloging images on the V&A site. I’ve never seen a seal like this, and so, I leapt at the chance to share it with you. Made of porcelain sometime between 1749 and 1754, this seal takes the form of Mr. Punch—masked Pulcinella-style, in a striped ensemble. He stands on a base inscribed 'TOUJOURS GAY', above a carnelian intaglio of a bird on a tree with the word 'FIDEL', and set with gold mounting in the base.

The seal comes from Charles Gouyn's London factory and shows no wear in its brilliant enameling. Celebrating eternal happiness and fidelity, just the very sight of this gleaming seal accomplishes its task over two hundred fifty years later.

Friday Fun: The Start of Martin Bridle’s Punch & Judy Show

Professor Martin Bridle

Martin Bridle, one of the foremost Punch & Judy professors in Britain, doesn’t perform much anymore, but when he does, it’s certainly a treat. Each professor begins his (or her) own show a little differently, usually with a lot of spectacle and color. Martin Bridle’s joyful opening involves a host of unique characters and music before the introduction of Joey the Clown who, in turn, welcomes Mr. Punch.


Enjoy this video shot by Melbourne’s Professor Whatsit, Chris van der Craats.

Friday Fun: “Wicked Mr. Punch,” 1932



Punch Magazine, 1892

This unusually dark children’s song was recorded on September 21, 1932 in London for Decca Records. “Wicked Mr. Punch” was Al Bowlly with Arthur Lally and His Orchestra. The lyrics are as follows:

Wicked Mr. Punch meets Judy,
Makes a date for lunch, gets broody.
When she appears, he boxes her ears instead.
Now, Judy’s on the floor, shouts “Murder!”
Somebody next door, has heard her,
Follow the clue, it’s covered, it’s true, she’s dead.
What a dreadful tale of grief and woe,
To the village jail, Old Punch must go.
So the people cry, “Arrest him!”
And the coppers try to get him,
But, Mr. Punch defiantly shouts, No! No!




I hope you enjoy this amusing little song...