THE recent heatwaves have sparked a revival of Punch and Judy after verbal abuse threatened to end the shows for good.

The puppet show dates back to 16th century Italy, but gained popularity at British seaside resorts.

Professional Punch and Judy performer Joe Burns, from Brighton, said the seaside institution was under threat with only a few full-time shows left, with performers experiencing verbal attacks.

The 30-year-old, who started at the age of 12, currently performs one of only three remaining full-time daily Punch and Judy shows on Swanage Beach in Dorset.

He said the warm weather has revived the dying art and he has had a “record year” which has seen him smash his previous record of 22 consecutive days performing.

"Because of the fine weather, I’ve performed every day so far this season,” he said. “I’m only here for two months so I must make hay while the sun shines, and I’ve been able to do that for over 30 days.

"I’m not complaining though, I can rest in September. It’s only possible to do what I do with the support from the amazing beach team, fellow concessionaires, and my incredible audiences."

The Argus: Professional Punch and Judy performer Joe Burns, from Brighton Professional Punch and Judy performer Joe Burns, from Brighton

Owners of the traditional puppet performances spoke out last year about threats and abuse from punters when they are asked to pay just £2 to watch.

Joe said last year several people told his show collector to “f*** off”, but that he hadn't experienced the same level of abuse from non-payers this time around.

"It’s been a brilliantly pleasant year. There’s always the chance that people don’t want to pay, but on the whole the tourists have been honest and generous all season,” he said.

"People are so pleased to see the show on the beach, it’s a rare thing to turn up and find a show nowadays."

Joe said the hot weather had been a blessing, but was not without challenges.

He added: "There are challenges working in the heat, for me inside the show performing and the audiences sitting in the sun watching.

"In order to safely work in the heat, I’ve condensed the show at points, so that no one is short-changed. And there’s always the sea to jump into when it’s too hot.

"Punch belongs at the beach - it’s where I first saw Punch and Judy and performing each summer is the opportunity to inspire the next generation.

"I might be the youngest beach Punch professor, but I’m adamant I won’t be the last.”

The Argus: Punch and Judy show Punch and Judy show

Joe lives in Brighton but is camping in Swanage to perform 125 shows during the summer holiday season, which has had a Punch and Judy since 1904.

"Mr Punch is our national puppet character and his ever changing show is a part of our heritage. He is a folk hero, standing up to authority, and crocodiles,” he said.

"Punch and Judy have always attracted a crowd, and gone where audiences want to see their slapstick antics.”

He is joined by Mark Poulton in Weymouth, Dorset, and Jason Codman in Llandudno, Wales, as the last three full time beach performers.