That's the Way to Do it! Online Trivia | Humanities

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The first record of an appearance by Punch in the UK was made by which diarist?

Answer: Samuel Pepys

He records seeing a show put on by an Italian showman in Covent Garden.

2. The character of Punch was originally called by what name?

Answer: Pulliciniello

His name may have come from the Italian 'Pulcino' meaning chicken, referencing the fact that he had a large beaklike nose and squeaky voice.

3. Punch was a bit of a ruffian. He often carried a stick split at one end which created an audible sound when used to beat opponents in fights. Still used today to describe a style of mock-fighting, what is it called?

Answer: Slapstick

A 'slapstick' is basically two wooden slats which produce an audible sound which would cause virtually no physical harm to anybody struck by it. Its origin probably goes back to Shakespearean times. Slapstick generally refers today to an exaggerated activity resulting in a humorous situation.

4. In the mid 17th Century, Punch started to appear as a marionette. Punch's voice became even more squeaky due to the use of a reed in the puppeteer's mouth. What is it called?

Answer: Swazzle

A Swazzle (also known as a Swozzle, Schwazzle or Swatchel) consists of two strips of metal with a reed between them. With practice, passing air over the reeds causes it to vibrate, producing the rasping voice of Punch. By moving the tongue around, several different 'voices' can be produced for different characters.

5. By 1825, Punch's wife Joan had become Judy and a dog was introduced to the character list. What was its name?

Answer: Toby

The set of Punch and Judy shows moved from marionette stages to portable booths and the marionettes themselves changed to glove puppets. Toby was of course a naughty dog who introduced more comic possibilities.

6. By the mid 19th century Punch and Judy had quite a violent relationship which caused some disapproval. Which famous author referred to the shows several times in his/her books and thought it quite harmless?

Answer: Charles Dickens

Dickens refers to Punch and Judy in a collection of sketches titled "The Uncommercial Traveller". Mr Punch is also referred to in 'Little Dorrit' and 'Dombey and Son'. In a letter written to a person named Mary Tyler in 1849, Dickens says: 'In my opinion the Street Punch is one of those extravagant reliefs from the realities of life which would lose its hold upon the people if it were made moral and instructive. I regard it as quite harmless in its influence and as an outrageous joke which no one in existence would think of regarding as an incentive to any kind of action or as a model for any kind of conduct.'

7. Punch and Judy shows continued to be regarded as suitable entertainment at Victorian Christmas parties. Who was entertained by one held at Osborne House?

Answer: Queen Victoria

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight was the favourite holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and their many children. Victoria died at Osborne House in January 1901.

8. What is the puppeteer who puts on Punch and Judy shows called?

Answer: Professor

The popularity of puppet shows declined greatly in the 20th century but Punch and Judy still drew large audiences on the beaches of British seaside towns. The name 'professor' goes back a very long time and I'm afraid I have no idea why Punch men are called this.

9. The cast of characters in a traditional Punch and Judy show includes a reptile. What is it?

Answer: Crocodile

The crocodile appears after a string of sausages is introduced into the show. Punch is supposed to look after the sausages and doesn't see the crocodile trying to get them which leads to great glee from the children watching who have to warn Punch about the crocodile.

10. Which of the following is not a character in a typical Punch and Judy show?

Answer: Sailor

A typical show today would involve Judy asking Punch to look after the baby which he of course fails to do. In days gone by, Punch would often hit the baby. His failure as a babysitter will cause Judy to try to beat Punch with a stick and a policeman will come along to find out what all the noise is about. Lots of slapstick humour.

The string of sausages and the crocodile referred to in the previous question will probably happen about now and Punch will end up having quite a struggle with it. When I was young, the show would often have a hangman trying to catch Punch.

The hangman of course ends up with his head in the noose. Some showmen actually followed through with the hanging (Oh what fun we kids had). Others only did so with adult audiences.

The show would probably end with the Devil himself trying to catch Mr Punch to take him to hell but once again Punch comes out on top to great applause.

Source: Author Spontini

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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That's the Way to Do it! Trivia Quiz

The puppet called 'Punch' arrived in England from Italy in 1662 and is still seen regularly as children's entertainment on British beaches. The name of the quiz comes from a catchphrase uttered by Mr. Punch during his shows.

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