A baby is thrown into the fire, Judy is stabbed to death, and Punch becomes set against anyone who opposes him. No light-hearted children’s show, the Punch And Judy story as interpreted by composer Harrison Birtwistle and his librettist Stephen Pruslin is harsh and violent from the outset. All this makes for a striking portrayal of the psychological damage violence can inflict as we follow Punch’s journey to the gallows in pursuit of Pretty Polly.

Sung in English.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.