A collection of Peter Butchard's Punch and Judy Show including letters of booking confirmation, thank you letters from children. photos of the show on Broadstairs beach and the 325th celebration and programs of festivals that feature Mr Butchard's Punch and Judy show.

Administrative / biographical background
Peter Butchard (1909-2009) began performing as a Punch and Judy man in Broadstairs after his retirement, and took his show around the world, bringing the delights of Punch and Judy to children in Greece and Australia. Performed at Broadstairs from 1962 to 1978. He gave his last performance in Greenwich in 1999. Punch and Judy shows have been a feature of seaside entertainment for many years. Although the show seems like a typically British phenomenon, it actually originated in Italy. Since it first appeared in England in 1662, brought over by the Bolognese puppeteer Pietro Gimonde, the story has been modified to appeal more to children. Modern versions include new characters like the ghost, policeman and crocodile puppets.