Punch and Judy

Professor John Styles has the reputation of being a leading authority and exponent of Punch & Judy

Over fifty years of Punch & Judy experience has taken him from pubs to palaces, beaches to Broadway and from house parties to Hollywood; but he is as much at home entertaining at small family gatherings, schools, fêtes and galas. His show is entirely self-contained and suited for most occasions.

John has had the honour of representing his country at international arts festivals and British promotions all over the world.

 

JOHN STYLES is one of the finest English 'Professors' - maintaining with verve, skill and spontaneity the old traditions of Punch & Judy ” The Daily Telegraph

His show has been featured in numerous films, TV commercials and programmes, including The Box of Delights, Rainbow, The Avengers, Inspector Morse, Darling Buds of May, The Generation Game, East Enders, Midsomer Murders and BBC's film Hancock.

You'll find him featured in Disney's 102 Dalmatians and some of his more unusual assignments have been to entertain Napoleon in the Monty Python inspired film Time Bandits and to show actor/singer Tom Waites 'the way to do it' for the film Bearskin. Roman Polanski also wanted John's Punch and Judy for his remake of Oliver Twist.

“JOHN STYLES demonstrates the versatility of the best Punchmen over two centuries”

                                                                                Robert Leach - The Punch & Judy Show

In addition to performing the play John has taken a keen interest in it's origins and has acquired a diverse collection of old booths, puppets, toys, ornaments, pictures and ephemera related to the subject, some of which have been exhibited at the Museum of London and the Brighton Museum.

After lecturing at The Royal Society of Arts in London he was very proud to learn that he had been elected a Fellow of the Society. He has also had the distinction of being invited to talk at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

“STYLES - leading exponent of the art”                                                 

                                      International Herald Tribune

“JOHN'S Punch show was a marvellous production that showed his excellent technique, wonderful comic timing and great ability to create a special interaction between himself and his audience. His years of experience were obvious ”   

                                              Puppeteers of America

“It is hardly surprising that John Styles is rated so high in the land for his Punch & Judy work His artistic flair for hand puppetry is quite exceptional... .they are no longer inanimate wooden puppets - they have nobility. He has a splendid rapport with children and adults alike - he is a brilliant entertainer”.        

                                  Review, Polka Children's Theatre

After a lifetime in entertainment John was included in a New Year's Honours List and awarded an MBE by H.M. The Queen - “For services to the arts especially Punch & Judy”.