The Punch and Judy puppet show, a centuries-old tradition, is reportedly experiencing a revival after performers removed violent content from their performances. Britain's dwindling number of Punch and Judy 'professors' are finding renewed demand, with some shows performed nearly 150 times since May.

Joe Burns, a puppeteer based in Dorset, noted a resurgence in popularity at seaside locations, stating that most performers no longer depict Punch hitting Judy. The traditional show, with origins dating back to 1662, was once a fixture in coastal resorts, but numbers have dwindled to just three full-time performers working through the summer.

While Burns believes children understand the performative nature of the show, he acknowledged the necessity of adapting to changing times. The show has faced criticism for trivializing domestic violence, with one instance in 2016 seeing a performance canceled at an event in South Wales for downplaying violence.

In 2024, drama experts at the University of Exeter began research into creating a more gender-balanced representation. Dr. Alissa Mello, who led the 'Judy Project,' noted that while some audiences perceive the show as misogynistic, others view it as part of England's cultural heritage of "misrule" and unruly entertainment.

To adapt to modern standards and address long-standing criticisms of trivializing domestic violence, puppeteers have updated the show by removing physical violence (such as Punch, who is pictured, hitting Judy)

Some critics have decried the changes, suggesting the show has "gone woke" and arguing that the original portrayed harmless fun akin to animated cartoons. However, the shift towards removing physical altercations marks a significant evolution for the 364-year-old Punch and Judy tradition.