Attendance is Free by Donation!
“Judy Punches Back,” Puppet Motion's modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show, is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough. Audience members young and old cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap.
"Punch and Judy" is a British puppet show with roots in the 16th-century Italian Commedia dell'arte character Pulcinella. The the fast-paced, comedic shows center around the chaotic Mr. Punch and his long-suffering wife, Judy, as Punch features outwits authority figures like the police, a crocodile, and the Devil using his signature "slapstick" club.
The puppet show was first recorded in England on May 9, 1662, by diarist Samuel Pepys, who watched an Italian showman perform in London's Covent Garden. Over time, the show evolved into a staple of British seaside resorts, with Mr. Punch transitioning from a marionette (string puppet) to the glove puppet we know today.
All Ages
Learn more about Puppet Motion
Funded in part by the New England States Touring program of the New England Foundation for the Arts, made possible with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the six New England state arts agencies.
BOX OFFICE
Puppets in Portland tickets are available through PortTIX, the trusted box office for Mayo Street Arts!
Online: www.porttix.com
Phone: 207-842-0800
Advanced ticket sales end two hours before each event.
Tickets may also be purchased at the door, pending availability.
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
No one will be turned away from PiP events for lack of funds.
ACCESSIBILITY
Congress Square Park is accessible from two locations: via Congress Street bordering the park’s performance stage and the outside wall of 593 Congress Street onto a ramp which leads to the lower part of the park; and from High Street between the park which leads into the lower part of the park.
If you would benefit from additional information or accommodations, we invite you to contact us at pip@mayostreetarts.org or 207-879-4629.
EVENT PARKING
Paid on-street parking can be found on the surrounding streets.
In Portland, vehicles displaying a valid disability plate or placard are exempt from meter fees and may park up to double the posted time limit at meters and in time-restricted zones.
Two parking garages are located within walking distance of Congress Square Park:
Gateway Parking Garage (181 High St, Portland, ME 04101) - 3 minute walk
Spring Street Parking Garage (45 Spring St, Portland, ME 04101) - 6 minute walk
Congress Square Park is located along Greater Portland Metro bus route 1. Click here to learn more.
SEATING POLICY
Seating in Congress Square Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Audience members are welcome to bring their own seating to performances of “Judy Saves the Day.”
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Audience members — in addition to artists, staff & volunteers — who feel sick or exhibit symptoms of illness should stay home out of respect for others.
CANCELATION POLICY
PiP has a no refund policy for all reservations. In the event that PiP is forced to cancel an event due to weather, illness, etc., refunds will be offered via PortTIX.