From 15th century Italy to Armstrong comes Mr. Punch, just in time for Caravan Farm Theatre’s summer production of The Tragical Comedy of Punch and Judy.
Descended from the Italian clown featured in the Commedia Dell’ Arte medieval tradition, Pulcinella showed up in England at the wedding festivities of Charles II in 1662.
Mr. Punch was popular with British puppeteers, who used the new “wooden star” to comment on the politics of the day.
Punch then morphed into a hand puppet featured in little street-corner stages and acquired a wife named Judy.
At Caravan, the narrator, in the form of the Devil, introduces the audience to the show and the Punch and Judy tradition with a traditional puppet show.
But the Punch and Judy puppets become actors, with both puppets and live actors interacting throughout the play.
“The focus is on Mr. Punch, the ultimate trickster,” says Caravan Farm Theatre artistic director Courtenay Dobbie. “He misbehaves; he likes playing tricks and jokes.”
But a rebellion is brewing. Judy decides she wants out of the Punch and Judy show. She’s tired of her husband’s misbehaviour, the show and how classless it all is, says Dobbie.
“She wants to do something more beautiful, and she’s fallen for an actor in another show, the beguiling Oedipus Rex.”
Judy follows her dreams, leaving Mr. Punch for her newfound love.
“For the first time, Mr. Punch feels something, so he goes on this journey to becoming a full human being,” Dobbie says. “In order to win Judy back, he has to learn kindness and compassion towards others.”
In his journey, Mr. Punch has to perform his version of Oedipus Rex. This play within a play is called The Stabbed Eyeball – a Rock Opera. Dobbie describes The Tragical Comedy of Punch and Judy as a huge spectacle, complete with live actors, hand puppets and other epic puppets.
Backstage the design team has been hard at work but loving every minute, with set design by Marshall McMahen, costume design by Carmen Allatorre, puppet and mask design by Catherine Hahn and lighting design by Stephan Bircher.
“Three huge puppets float 20 feet in the air, one of them a big snake, a serpent from the tree of life,” Dobbie says, noting a live, upbeat band provides accompaniment.
The play was written by successful, young Victoria playwright Jacob Richmond, with music created by well-known musician, illustrator and writer Hank Pine, also of Victoria.
Dobbie is directing the play with former Caravan artistic director Jennifer Brewin, who is back on the farm to lend a hand.
The cast of the Tragical Comedy of Punch and Judy includes some veterans – Toronto’s Paul Braunstein as Mr. Punch and Colin Doyle, also of Toronto, as the Devil. Judy is played by Vancouver’s Sarah May Redmond and Calgary’s Chris Hunt is back, this time as Mr. Scaramouche.
“It’s a special piece and we’re all really excited about it. This one has such great visual treats for the children,” Dobbie says.
The show runs rain or shine at 7:30 p.m. from July 22 to Aug. 24. Tickets are available at www.ticketseller.ca or toll free at 1-866-311-1011.