MR Punch

You have to see things from all angles. May save your life one day.

A dark and ＂Punchy＂ comedy exploring stubborn tradition and the shining light that acceptance can bring.

Steve Byron and Joana Geronimo’s Mr Punch follows Norman, a solitary and now lonely figure of fun, with a dependence on drink and a long life of self-destruction and small mindedness. Norman has returned from a funeral carrying his recent departed father’s life in a suitcase. A father whom he blames for his actions, situations and what the world might call a ’wasted life’. When a faraway family move in next door, Norman’s attitudes, pity-party and beliefs may have to change.

But there’s no show without Punch. Mr Punch is told against the backdrop of 21st century Britain, with the use of puppetry and extremely dark humour.

This edition was published to coincide with the world premiere at Alphabetti Theatre, Newcastle, in September 2023.

Steve Byron is an actor, writer and theatre practitioner with over thirty years of experience working in the North East. Recent acting credits include When The Boat Comes In (Customs House); Sunset Over Tantobie (Gala Durham); A Viking Christmas, Whale of a Time (Alphabetti Theatre) and Sleeping Beauty (Gala Durham). His writing credits include Reiver: Tales from the Borders, and for Alphabetti Theatre: Bacon Knees and Sausage Fingers, Floorboards, Rocket Girl, Sucking Eggs and Tree.

Joana Geronimo is an Angolan actor, writer and theatre practitioner based in the North East. Recent acting credits include: From Home to Newcastle (Live Theatre); The Space Between Us (Open Clasp); HERE (Curious Monkey); The White Card (Northern Stage); OUT, OUT! (Alphabetti Theatre). Recent writing credits include OUT, OUT! (Alphabetti Theatre).