Punch and Judy

This show is nuts. Barely a drop of blood is spilled on the stage but I dare you to find a more violent, offensive, and down-right obscene show at the Fringe. Just when you think they've taken it as far as they can go, they take it further. This is a miraculously detailed work of art about probably the worst character who's ever existed on stage. Thankfully, the evil is wrapped up in a bright package of big laughs. ... full review

Don't expect a puppet show for kids. In fact, don't expect puppets at all. This is a re-imagining of the traditional Punch and Judy, which embraces the violent nature of those puppet shows and gleefully expands upon it. ... full review

I loved the show. if you like dark comedy, prepare to laugh. This show is original, fresh, creative, raw, politically incorrect, imaginative, and of course funny. People will see things in this show, that they have never seen on stage before. The ensemble fully committees to Chris Johnson stylize commedia dell' arte, which becomes pure enjoyment on stage. Jen Albert fight choreography is filled with detail precision moves that makes the fights both comical and dangerous. Ryan Beveridge help make the show feel larger then the 20 by 20 size stage. The ensemble (and they are a true ensemble, working together like a well oiled machine) didn't miss a beat and deserves to be recognized for their hard work. This is one of the shows you should... full review

This show was recommended to me, and I enjoyed nearly every second of it. Absurdist to the nth degree, the obstructed seat up front actually served the show very well. As I couldn't see entrances and exits, it felt like an actual puppet show gone berserk. A dedicated and extremely talented cast carry out this vision to it's full silliness.... full review

Henry Mayhew, in 1841, named his pioneering humor magazine after the gleeful little murdering bastard. Neil Gaiman turned to sought him out to use in one of his best graphic novels. Him and the Missus are clues in the 2014 thriller Gone Girl, and in the Marx Brothers’ 1931 Monkey Business Harpo joins them in a performance. There’s even an opera by Harrison Birtwistle. But I gotta say, for fun and merry murdering mayhem, none of them can hold a candle to Christopher Johnson’s live action adaptation of the classic Punch and Judy. For the unacquainted Punch is a happy go lucky, fustigating psychopath, a cross between Bugs Bunny and Ted Bundy. His origins are debated, but probably evolved from 16th century Italian commedia dell’arte, be... full review

For a once in a lifetime experience, go see Punch and Judy. ... full review

Punch and Judy, is the antithesis of Sunday Matinee theater, and I couldn't be happier for it!... full review

Actors did a tremendous job. Very specific, took their moments and worked very hard. The story was disturbing leaving intense impression on the viewer which is of course the point. I kept wanting justice and laughing when I should be crying...which too is the point. It was was shocking to say the least. Brilliant to a fault and disturbing. I found myself continuing to think about it after the show.. It left many impressions on my guest...what I asking myself is "why?" Why put this on? Why put this on now? And what is the message? "The moral" if you will...politics? Injustice? maybe it's nothing it's nothing more than to ask these very questions.... full review

This live adaptation of Punch and Judy is absolutely hilarious! Not a moment goes by when you're not laughing. The actors show their excellent abilities and theatrical prowess in their perfectly cast roles. Director Christopher Johnson did an incredible job adapting this puppet show into a live action play. Incorporating creative elements such as a live, one-man foley, and a partition emulating a puppet stage was genius! The fight choreography by Jen Alberts was superb, and added to the comedic brilliance of this production. Do not miss this brash, gruesome, and uproarious gem!... full review

I remember "Punch and Judy" being my very first theatrical experience many, many years ago. Whatever vague, twisted memories I may have had came rushing back solid with this brilliant, satirical production.... full review