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20 Years of Laughter: Professor Richard Coombs and Punch & Judy at the Heights of Abraham
It’s been 20 years since Punch Professor Richard Coombs first brought Punch & Judy to the Heights of Abraham, and this year’s anniversary season promises to be extra special. Guests can look forward to reading about his amazing show, discovering the man behind the playboard, and learning what to expect from this spectacular milestone performance.
Roll Up, Roll Up!
Now celebrating its 20th season, the Punch & Judy show is performed three times daily, delighting audiences with not just the classic antics of Mr. Punch, but also a lively 15-minute Pre-Show filled with puppets performing delightful stunts—some blow bubbles, others spin plates, and one might even defy gravity!
A Theatre That Grew with Its Audience
In 2015, the original puppet theatre was expanded to include a three-window setup and a rain hood, allowing performances to continue in light rain—a tradition still upheld today. The upgraded theatre moved to a picturesque spot under a tree near the Vista Restaurant, where it stayed until the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.
Adapting Through a Pandemic
With the arrival of COVID-19, the Punch & Judy team faced a new challenge. Social distancing meant that Richard and his crew had to find a new location. A new pitch was created by the Amphitheatre, allowing families to safely enjoy the show in spaced-out groups. Even though shouting along with the puppets wasn’t allowed, the team is proud that theirs was one of the only puppet shows in the UK to continue during the challenging summer of 2020.
Celebrating 20 Summers of Entertainment
The 2020 season marked the show’s 15th consecutive summer. Just like the legendary Windmill Theatre during the Blitz, Richard’s motto was clear: “We Never Closed!” The team even celebrated with a custom cake showing Mr. Punch bursting out from the icing. Now, for the 20th anniversary, the celebrations promise to be even bigger.
Each winter, Richard devotes time to creating new material for the summer season, introducing fresh characters and exciting new gags. The show is crafted to entertain all ages—children and adults alike—and no group needs kids to join in the fun.
To learn more about Professor Coombs’ work, including appearances at events like the Bognor Puppet Party in September (where he performs alongside top UK Punch Professors), visitors are encouraged to check out his website. And of course, feedback is always welcome—especially on TripAdvisor.
As Mr. Punch has declared for 20 years at the Heights:
“That’s the way to do it!”
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