Punch is always held by the showman's right hand, his head is wood of course, and should be five inches, allowing two inches for the length of neck would make it seven inches long, five inches from the neck to the top of the head, with a hole, for the finger to rest in, three inches deep. Into this little hole in the head fits the showman's fore finger while his second finger fits into Punch's right hand, and the exhibitor's thumb sets in Punch's left hand. Thus, by the aid of the exhibitor's fore finger and thumb, Punch is enabled to wield the club he carries with such consummate dexterity.
Judy is held by the left hand and managed in the same way: thus, when the exhibitor has Punch and Judy ready to commence the show they are said to be well mounted.
How to make the dresses and to dress the Figures.—The dress of each Puppet is a gown fastened around its neck about thirteen inches long, on to this is sewed the coat, shirt, vest and pantaloons. Inside of the gown the showman thrusts his hand for the working of the little Actor—described above. The Punch Puppet, has a big belly and a haunch on his back between his shoulders, which gives him the appearance of the Lord Mayor of London.
The Play opens by the appearance of Mr. Punch who calls Judy to his aid. Here commences the dance by Punch and Judy, who bow to the audience, then to each other and at the sound of music move off in the dance.
It is not necessary that the feet of the Puppets should be seen, consequently they are seldom brought into view.
The person inside the Frame when dancing the Puppets, must go through all the capers he wishes the Figures to perform; and as he is entirely concealed from view, he can be just as funny as he pleases; and in proportion to his comic actions will the little Actors appear to the audience.
And strange as it may seem should the exhibitor fail to carry out these instructions, namely: of moving his body, so as to correspond with the motions he wishes to give the Figures, the dance of Punch and his wife would be flat—without fun or any interest whatever. Therefore, remember and fail not to put in all the comic points, (motions) for in this lies the secret of giving life and merriment to the Punch and Judy Show.
Act 1. Scene 1st.
(Punch—is heard below with a loud squeak: he makes his appearance from the wing on the right hand side of the stage dancing and singing. Enter Punch.)