I AM writing to say that although I sincerely empathise with the decision to block Punch and Judy shows at Barry Island, I do not agree with an outright ban and hope to see it reinstated at Barry Island Beats, Eats and Treats event on June 4-5.
In terms of whether or not to show these popular seaside shows, I think the council has gone too far in pandering to political correctness.
Children only see Punch and Judy as a bit of seaside fun, it is over 350 years old and this tradition appeals to a lot of children.
I certainly have nothing against the popular seaside attraction. Punch and Judy certainly does not encourage wife bashing as claimed. If Punch and Judy should be banned because of violence then so should performances of Shakespeare as well as Tom and Jerry cartoons.
It’s the way you do it. If you add an element of comedy, which you should, together with the correct timing, this makes for a traditional, entertaining show in the slapstick style, and that is what children love.
If you asked the majority of the general public if council’s should continue to sponsor Punch and Judy events, the majority would say yes. Let us now hope that both the Vale Council and Barry Town Council thinks again about this decision.
Punch and Judy does not encourage domestic violence - no child of a Punch and Judy man has ever grown up to be violent and they’ve seen hundreds of shows. Perhaps, future shows could feature a “watered down” format to lessen the chances of criticism.
Perhaps the way to do it is to make the story more appropriate for an audience of children as done in other areas and not a total ban as suggested.
I do and always will continue to campaign against domestic violence, but as said Punch and Judy does not promote domestic violence.
Thankfully, the Vale of Glamorgan council does not have a general policy on Punch and Judy shows.
To end, we must not give in to the political correctness brigade and allow this old tradition to continue. So please reconsider and allow the Barry Island Punch and Judy show to take place.
Councillor Richard Bertin
Independent
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