Original Punch and Judy set used by legendary children's entertainer discovered

The original Punch and Judy theatre set, used by the legendary children's entertainer Bert Bradford, has been found in a house near Bristol. The set, which entertained children from Bristol and Bath at Weston beach for over 40 years around World War Two, is set to go under the hammer this weekend.

Bert Bradford was a household name across the West Country with his Punch and Judy show. The show toured carnivals and major events in Bristol, Bath, and Somerset, becoming a summer holiday staple on Weston beach.

From the 1920s to the 1960s, Bradford captivated generations of children with the classic tale of Mr Punch, Judy, the policeman, a crocodile, and a string of sausages.

The unearthing of Bert Bradford's original Punch and Judy theatre set provides a fascinating insight into the history of the renowned show and how it has evolved over the past century. Bert's characters included Punch, Judy and the baby, as well as the policeman, the hangman, and the crocodile with the sausages.

However, he also introduced the beadle, the clown, and a slave - all complete with original clothing and some spares, reports Bristol Live.

The auction lot includes the tent and stage, all the props, including a hangman's noose and even a Mr Punch voice changer, as well as two show boards to inform excited children and their parents about the timing of the next show.

The set, acquired from Bert Bradford upon his retirement in 1965, is reportedly still in fine condition, as noted by auctioneer John Rolfe. It includes puppets and props that hark back to the Victorian era, having been a part of the show long before Bert Bradford began his Punch and Judy act in Bristol a century ago.

He expanded the collection with additional characters and puppets in the 1920s, yet the whole set dates back approximately 100 years.

"We're delighted to auction a complete Punch and Judy Show set, with all puppets, tent, show times and an original letter of purchase from famous Bristol Professor Bert Bradford," Rolfe remarked. "The set comes directly from the vendor at no reserve but could fetch more than £1,000."

Originating from the Italian puppet character Pulcinella from the 16th century, Punch and Judy morphed into a grim, cautionary tale for children. Mr Punch, known for his violent and misogynistic behaviour, would often be seen beating his wife and baby, ultimately facing justice at the hands of a policeman and, historically, even execution.

To provide comic relief, the show included slapstick elements such as a crocodile snatching sausages, and over time, Punch and Judy became an integral feature of fairs, festivals, events, seaside promenades, and urban centres across the country.

Bert Bradford's theatre set is currently available for bidding both online and in person in the coming days at Babdown Airfield - further details can be found here.