• Based: Devon
• Website: www.puppetree.co.uk

I am often asked what made me start performing Punch & Judy. From an early age I had an interest in puppets, and enjoyed creating my own, so in my early twenties, I joined a puppet guild. It was there that I was encouraged by well-known Punch Professors to take up the show. I performed my first professional show for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. I got such a ‘buzz’ from our happy audience and from then on I was ‘hooked’ – Mr. Punch had got into my blood and I wanted more! As the bookings came in and my reputation as a Punch Professor grew, my show developed - there are always new puppets and routines to introduce.

Alison, my wife, is my entertainment partner. She is my ‘bottler’ outside the booth, talking to Mr. Punch and joining in with the audience. We are often told by parents that children like her there to encourage and reassure any of the tinies. We call ourselves ‘The Puppetree Company’ and perform at many venues, from small functions, fayres, fetes and county shows to big corporate events. We also had a pitch for six years on Lyme Regis beach (1995 -2001), entertaining all ages with varied routines and fun-filled shows during the summer season. We travel from our home near Lyme Regis, Dorset to places all around the U.K and overseas.

The Puppetree Company also have a successful business making puppets for professional puppeteers. As well as our own range of puppets we are commissioned to create all kinds of wonderful characters. Take a look at our website www.puppetree.co.uk or email us on alisonandbrian@puppetree.co.uk.