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Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppetry Festival 2008

Event: Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppetry Festival 2008
Date: May 11th 2008

If the words "that's the way to do it" bring back memories of seaside holidays as a child, guests staying at luxury London hotel the Montague should pay a visit to nearby Covent Garden this May to celebrate the birthday of hand-puppet Punch.

The iconic squawk-voiced puppet is celebrating his 350th birthday at St Paul's Churchyard in Covent Garden this May 11th, as part of the annual Covent Garden May Fayre.

Punch & Judy shows are often associated with British seaside towns from Blackpool to Brighton and still take place to this day.

But this May, the warring couple will be transported to Covent Garden and in easy reach of luxury hotel the Montague on the Gardens.

The puppet show dates back to 16th century Italy where the protagonist character of Punch was known as Pulcinella, a name which became anglicised to Punchinello. Samuel Pepys first recorded the existence of Punch & Judy in his diary in 1662.

Punch is recognisable by his bad-tempered manner, jester's mismatched clothing, hunchback, hooked nose and jutting chin.

He is usually seen in the company of wife Judy and occasionally minor characters Coco the Clown, crocodile and the devil.


© Adfero Ltd

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