From left to right: Punch and Judy puppet maker Bryan Clarke, John Styles (Associate Festival Director for The Big Grin), Glyn Edwards (Big Grin Festival Director)
A new Guinness World Record title has been being awarded to mark the 350th birthday of traditional slapstick puppet show Punch and Judy. Best associated with the seaside towns of Britain, the first documented appearance of Mr Punch was recorded by diarist Samuel Pepys, who detailed seeing a show featuring the red-nosed Mr Punch puppet in a theatre booth in London's Covent Garden in May 1662.
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To celebrate the landmark anniversary, a new GWR title for the world's first recorded Mr. Punch puppet show has been awarded. Organisers of The Big Grin Festival and the 37th annual Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival which was held last weekend in Covent Garden, along with puppeteers from across the world, were the proud recipients of the title.
John Styles, Associate Festival Director for The Big Grin, says, "We are delighted that Mr. Punch remains a record breaker in the 21st Century. The award is accepted on behalf of Punch performers past & present who have all played their part in keeping the tradition alive." The record was recognised as part World Record London, a calendar of record-breaking events taking place in the run-up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
So far the project has overseen successful record attempts for the longest curtsey relay and the longest marathon hug, with future events set to include the Queen's Diamond Jubilee River Pageant on Sunday 3 June which hopes to break the record for the Largest parade of boats.
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Gordon Innes, CEO at London & Partners, said: "Punch and Judy theatre and street entertainment is a London tradition and is a part of what makes the capital special. Covent Garden is renowned for its arts and theatre heritage and it remains a huge draw for millions of visitors who come to enjoy the talent, creativity and the unique atmosphere."
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