Since the 19th century Punch and Judy performers have referred to themselves as Professors. The Australian College of Professorsis an alliance of three experienced performers dedicated to maintaining tradional Punch and Judy shows in Australia.

What is a traditional Punch & Judy show?

We use wooden puppets, the instrument that produces Punch's distinctive voice and perform shows that are predominately based on the traditional story. Essentially this involves Punch squabbling with his wife Judy, throwing their baby out the window, making fun of the policeman who comes to arrest him, playing around with a clown called Joey, a crocodile and sometimes we have an appearance of Jack Ketch the hangman. But always Punch confronts the Devil. Punch wields his slapstick to deal with anything that gets in his way.

This show was introduced to England in the late 18th century and having established itself in London by the Italian performer Giovani Piccini and those who were taught by him the show came to Australia, along with many of his audience, The tradition of Punch and Judy in Australia is almost as as old as European settlement.

Professors Preston, Haig and Whatsit.

The Australian College of Professors offer three variations of the show. There are performances that are for young children, for mixed ages and there is a special show directed to an adult audience. You will be surprised at how entertaining all ages can respond to this show. The professors can be booked individually or as a group for events and festivals.

Please contact Keith Preston for further information:
Email: artbeatkp@aol.com
Tel: 0418 839 264

Professor Preston
A witty and extremely irreverent show. Keith Preston has many years of performing Punch in Australia and at festivals overseas.

Professor Haig
Lachlan Haig performs a show for late night adult audiences that will completely change whatever view you had of Punch and Judy.

Professor Whatsit
The professor is the foremost expert on Punch in Australia and a specialist maker of Punch and Judy puppets whose puppets are bought and collected around the world.