OUTDOOR SHOWS
Things to consider when Booking Shows for Your Event
My Big wooden theatre is only ever used at The Heights of Abraham during the main Summer holidays.
For your one day event, be it a Fete, Village Fair, County Show or Festival, I would use one of my more traditional 'tent' type Punch Booths.
A Punch & Judy Show is a huge asset to any outdoor event.
It's something for all ages, not just the children.
And certainly not for just the very youngest children.
You are missing a trick if you think this jolly puppet show is
'Just for the kiddies'.
It's great for all generations, and is best when families watch together.
Here are a few tips for getting the most from your day when you book my show.
The organisers of this Church Fun Day in Birmingham really went the extra mile.
Lovely costumes.
That's the way to do it !
Sadly there is wonderful event near me that I keep declining to do again, because they will insist on having a Festival sized Tannoy system in a modest sized meadow. Loud noise all around is no good for Mr Punch.
So it's alright (and preferable) to site the show away from other things.
With the Show time(s) posted in advance, people will make their way over to the Theatre long before showtime to get a good view.
So place me away from the tannoy certainly, but also away from any "Kiddies Area" or fairground if you have one.
Fairground rides with noisy generators and music are not good to be neighbours with. Nor are people shouting and barking for other stalls: like "Hook a Duck" and Coconut Shies etc.
Set Punch aside in its own space away from other things, and the audiences will thank you for it. And so will I
Next to a Beer Tent, or a good old fashioned 'Cakes and Tea' Refreshment Tent is ideal. They benefit symbiotically from being near the show.
And no matter where you decide to pitch the puppet show - the ice cream van will always come and park nearby : it's always great for them too.
Some venues really get into the spirit of thing, these deckchairs were a pretty addition.
But it's not necessary as I am self contained, with a large audience tarpaulin so nobody need sit on damp grass.
Q: How much space do I need ?
A: 12m x 10m - 36ft x 30ft
I no longer take bookings that insist all vehicles are moved off the field to an adjacent car park.. I have too much to set up and dismantle to play that silly game.
Sorry but it's a deal-breaker.
To be clear, my van is part of the set-up and stays in position with me.
But as you can see, the striped van is an attractive part of the whole ensemble. It helps draw in the crowds.
Risk Assessment & Public Liability Insurance.
Even though this 2008 Health & Safety Executive advice has not been changed, I do see why some Event Committees still habitually ask for a Risk Assessment.
So in compliance with that, I will outline below any significant risks and show that they have been considered and dealt with.
For my own protection, as well as yours, I do keep my PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE up to date at all times.
When you confirm your Booking I will send a copy of the Insurance Cover Note.
Like most other Performers, my cover is provided through British Actors EQUITY.
Their level of professional cover is more than generous for all outdoor and indoor events.
ACTION / SOLUTION
Possible RISK
Assessed Risks :
Public inconvenienced by Setting Up.
I arrive very early on the day, usually well before there are members of the Public at the Event.
I immediately mark out my area using my bunting fencing to keep any stray Public or other Eventers off my set up zone
Electrical Hazzards.
NONE: A 12v battery system is used for the sound System and radio microphones.
No Mains Power involved.
Stability of Theatre
My Theatre is not the flimsy 'lazy tongs' structure most use. Others keep their set up secure against wind by using guy ropes.
My Structure is solid enough to withstand heavy winds without being tethered.
I do have guy ropes should the need arise, but if the wind is that strong it is likely other peoples gazebos and stalls would be blowing away, and the event Cancelled.
Positioning of Audience
The first row of the audience is always at least two meters from the front of the show.
So in the virtually impossible event of the Theatre falling forward, they would be safe.
But the main reason for this is so they are not craning their necks to look 'up' at the puppets, but instead have an easy relaxed eyeline.
Positioning of Audience (2)
Keeping the Sun out of their eyes. - This is mostly down to the pitch as chosen by the event organisers.
But within the restrictions I have been given I will set the direction of the show with consideration to where the sun will be.
If you are lucky enough to have freedom to site the puppet show in a choice of positions on your field plan.
Then please give consideration to where the sun will be during the course of the event.
The window of the theatre facing either due North or South is the ideal positioning for the show.
Facing East or West can be problematical should we get a really bright cloudless day.
You can see from the previous photos, what the ideal outdoor set up looks like for me.
But here are some honourable exceptions, when the venue really dictates a different approach.
I have several different theatres, including a dedicated Christmas one.
May 2025 Barton Under Needwood held a splendid outdoor V.E Day celebration.
This is a good demonstration of how my show looks on a non-grass hard standing.
V.E Day also showed why it's important to allow plenty of room for the audience. Barton got it right, but event organisers sometimes underestimate just how big the crowd can be for a good Punch & Judy Show!
