Sunday Morning Special: Punch and Judy from the Custard Pie Puppet Co.

Some of Conor Lambert's puppets.

Here we have some handsome puppets and an undoubtedly talented performer. Now, the problem is that Mr. Punch isn’t speaking with his proper voice. The puppeteer isn’t using a swazzle—the device which produces Punch’s distinctive squawking sound.


Now, I have been practicing the swazzle for several weeks and can tell you quite honestly that it’s a tricky thing to master. I’m far from being able to use it well. However, I’m a Punch purist and subscribe to the school of thought that a real Punch Professor can only be considered as such if he uses the swazzle.

So, I’ll leave you with this humorous clip and let you decide whether or not it’s lacking because of its lack of squawk. It is nevertheless enjoyable—the work of Irish puppeteer, Conor Lambert.