by Chris » 27 Feb 2007, 18:04
A scrolling panoramic backdrop is not something normally associated with Punch and Judy. In fact scenery is not of any real importance in this highly specialised form of puppetry. It is true that some performers do contrive changes of scene - but this is often because they have learned their Punch from picture books.
But scenery can be effectively used if it adds to the fun. Guy Higgins, for example, used a prison scene most effectively, and other Profs get a bit of action out of a swing-on wing piece with a practical window. But in the Punch show it is the puppets (and hand props - slapstick, gallows, coffin, pall, sausages, sausage machine, boxing ring ropes etc.) which really matter.
The type of scenery you mention is more a toy theatre technique, or for a shoe-box diorama. While it could be used in enlarged form (and certainly has been) for either glove puppets or marionettes I don't really see it enhancing a Punch show - although Richard Coombs may prove me wrong!
You might find it illustrated in the Batchelder book "The Puppet Theatre Handbook" (USA published - late 1940's).<p>
It's good to squawk!