‘That’s the way to do it’ - bid to bring Punch and Judy back to Norfolk beach after 30 years
Dan Hanton with his daugter Grace and Mr Punch. The 36-year-old wants to bring the puppet show back to Gorleston's sands Picture: supplied by Dan Hanton - Credit: supplied by Dan Hanton
Snapping crocodiles, scoldings over lost sausages, and the sounds of crying babies could again rise from the sands at Gorleston if an ambitious puppeteer has his hand in it.
Daniel Hanton’s dream is to set up his candy-striped booth at Gorleston, entertaining crowds of children who may never have screamed back at Punch and Judy over the whereabouts of their baby.
If he gets his way the 36-year-old father-of-two will be following in the footsteps of Punch and Judy legends he saw as child, captivated by the raucous humour and the skill of the artist.
A graphic designer who works as an education host at Great Yarmouth’s SeaLife Centre Mr Hanton is also a regular panto performer - but the big gig would be inside the canvas hut at children’s corner.
Bringing it back after 30 years would offer “something different” for visitors who like Gorleston for its traditional, more sedate appeal, he said.
Mr Hanton, who lives in Bradwell, is in talks with Great Yarmouth Borough Council to find out what hurdles need to be cleared to make his dream come true and already he had been buoyed by the level of local support.