#626 | The Strange Story of Punch and Judy episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 13, 2026 · 25 MIN

#626 | The Strange Story of Punch and Judy

from English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English · host Leonardo English

 He wears a red hat, carries a stick, and laughs as he beats almost everyone he meets.  This episode tells the odd, violent story of Punch and Judy, the puppet show that began in Italy and became a British seaside symbol.  It looks at how Mr Punch survived for over 300 years, and why many now question whether he still belongs on the beach.  The swazzle and Mr Punch's strange squeaky voice Italian street theatre origins and Pulcinella Arrival in London in 1662 with Samuel Pepys From marionettes to glove puppets and slapstick action The 1828 book and forgery doubts Judy, the baby, the policeman, the crocodile and the devil Violent plot and the "That's the way to do it!" catchphrase Rise at the seaside with Victorian railways Mr Punch and the humour magazine Punch Modern decline, criticism, attempts to modernise, and an uncertain future Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/punch-and-judy ---You might like:🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube]📹 A look inside Leonardo English membership 📧 Join our FREE weekly newsletter---Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية

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#626 | The Strange Story of Punch and Judy

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This episode was published on August 13, 2026.

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