This was written for my grandson’s class puppet production of Punch and
Judy in the fifth grade seven years ago. It was read by the teacher, (in
costume) at the end of the performance, in the hopes of stimulating a
donation.
With the best of intentions, and the sincerest of apologies for the
limitations imposed upon us, (the good Lord forgive us) the company is
overjoyed to celebrate the victory of Lord Punch.
For your enjoyment he has triumphed over Satan upon the devil’s own ground
as represented here within the confines and boundaries of our humble
proscenium. Within the limitations circumscribed by our humble stage, Lord
Punch has been our trusty guide and mentor during the trouble tossed,
teapotted tempest that is, has been and most likely always will be, the
worrisome lot of the common man.
We mourn the loss of the Beadle, Jim Crow, the Clown, the Doctor and Jack
Ketch, they have all been dispatched by Lord Punch and his trusty cudgel
and poker, some by accident and some by design. Even Punch's very much
adored wife and child have shared a similar fate and are no more. In spite
of his quick temper and his awkward thrusts with cracked cudgel and bent
poker, he stands victorious as the aforesaid members of the cast lie
moldering on our tiny stage floor.
God bless you all. I confirm to you my most sincere thanks for your
attention, patronage and support, and I hope you'll come out handsome with
your gold and silver when the plate comes round.