Punch and Judy ‘child abuse’ claim

Puppeteer Les Clarke with Mister Punch and the baby.

Genial Les Clarke’s slapstick Punch and Judy show was a big hit with everyone at a two-day summer spectacular.

But one angry guest interrupted a performance accusing the show of ‘child abuse’ — over the way Mr Punch treated the mini baby puppet on stage!

Les (63) and his partner Kay Wilson delighted scores of children with the traditional show at the Saddleworth Summer Show at Uppermill School.

But during one of the 30-minute performances, an audience member remonstrated with Kay as Punch chased the cheeky baby puppet around the stage.

Les, a puppeteer for 25 years, said: “Kay thought the man was joking when he first complained the puppet was encouraging child abuse.

“Traditional Punch and Judy shows have been around for 350 years. Mister Punch chasing the baby is just part of the show’s heritage. We were astounded. Kay was speechless.

Event organising committee member Mike Hall of Rotary met the complainant and admitted afterwards: “I was completely taken by surprise. I was so astounded I just walked away, shaking my head.”