A Norwich theatre is inviting people to celebrate the 350th birthday of Mr Punch.
Norwich Puppet Theatre, in Whitefriars, is hosting a day of celebrations on Sunday to mark the birthday of the Punch and Judy favourite.
During the morning and afternoon sessions (starting at 11am and 2pm) people can see a Punch and Judy show, make a glove puppet, watch a performance of a Chinese circus in miniature, and - because a Punch and Judy event would not be complete without sausages - enjoy a barbecued sausage in a bun. The afternoon session has sold out but tickets are available for the morning event and cost �7.50.
People can also just watch the Hand to Mouth Theatre Punch and Judy show at 11am or 2pm, or the show Piggery Jokery at 4pm. Tickets for each performance cost �5.
A Punch and Judy master class with Martin Bridle, a leading experts of the art form, is taking place on Monday at 10am at the theatre.
In England, the first recorded appearance of the character Pulcinella - later Punchinello and finally Mr Punch - was on May 9 1662 at Covent Garden, noted by the diarist Samuel Pepys, and this day is regarded as Mr Punch's birthday.
These events are part of the national celebration The Big Grin being organised by Puppet Link with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information and to book tickets visit www.puppettheatre.co.uk
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