Ive been outside a few times in 2012 already, but on tarmac or playgrounds ( the really good weather a couple of weeks back was good for that ) - But this was the first time this Year I have put out "the Full Monty" with the fencing and audience tarpaulin.
Behind me as I took the pic was a huge array of tents , stalls and information displays stretching out for two large fields -the event was called A "Gamekeepers " Fair ( the hunting shooting fishing brigade , and general outdoorsy types - Ive never seen so many designer wellies !)
The Country House owners whose land we were on , understandably didn't want any of these big Marquees etc blocking the front view of the House ...but had made an exception in previous years for the Punch and Judy Show. I don't know who had done it before , or why they could not be there this year.
All the stall holders I asked about it remembered Punch being there in previous years , but of course didn't know who's Show it was . Next year if the event happens again , they may revert to booking whoever did it first , they may book me again , they may book somebody else entirely. The people whose stalls were right opposite me and who saw six shows over two days probably won't remember if it was the same show as last Year or not...
That seems to be the Cross we bear , that no matter how big a crowd we pull , or how much people enjoy the show , nobody remembers who it was , we are just "the Punch and Judy man".
A humbling fact for Mr Ps Big Birthday Year ...its always Him they remember.
And actually Im OK with that , deep down I think thats how its meant to be.
He is a much bigger Star than any of us mere custodians of his fame can ever be.
It was kind of nice though , to be the one thing at such a Big Event , to be allowed in front of The House ....I guess we have to enjoy those small perks that Mr P's Star status brings.
Richard.
