It started with an enquiry
In 2014 I received an enquiry through our website from Peter Rogers, Assistant Estate Manager at Burnby Hall Gardens. Peter organises family entertainment during the summer holidays, with something happening regularly throughout the school break. He was interested in Punch & Judy, but also wanted to know what else I could offer.
Most families arrive when the Gardens open and stay until mid-afternoon, so I suggested that instead of repeating the same show throughout the day we should give them a mixture of entertainment. Peter told me about the large permanent marquee used for events, which sounded ideal.
We settled on a programme built around Punch & Judy, children's magic and circus skills. It worked — and, apart from the Covid interruption, I have returned every summer since.
A day with something different
The formula has varied slightly over the years, but the principle is simple: families can explore the Gardens and come back to the marquee at different times for something different. A typical day includes two Punch & Judy shows, a children's magic show and a circus skills workshop.
It works particularly well for a visitor attraction. Nobody has to spend the whole day waiting for one performance. Families can watch Mr Punch, head off around the Gardens, return for some magic and later come back to try the circus skills.
Everyone can join the circus
The circus workshop is very much a hands-on session. I demonstrate the skills first and then the children have a go for themselves — and the adults are welcome to join in too.
Over the years the activities have included scarf juggling, plate spinning, feather balancing and pedalos. I used to include stilt walking as well, but these days I generally keep the workshop in and around the marquee where the equipment and participants are easier to manage.
A lovely place to work
I genuinely love going to Burnby. It is such a beautiful setting, the staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful, and the visitors are perfect for what I do: lots of families with younger children who have come simply to enjoy a nice day out together.
Having full use of the entertainment marquee is brilliant. Peter makes sure I have everything I need, I can park my vehicle immediately beside it, and my vehicle and equipment are safe on site. When you arrive with a Punch & Judy theatre, magic props, PA and circus equipment, those practical details make a real difference.
When the audience says it for you
One year Peter forwarded some lovely feedback from a family who had visited the Gardens. After mentioning the staff and the other attractions they had enjoyed, the parent gave the Punch & Judy man and magician a special mention:
“My children totally adored him and he made me laugh as well.”
For a children's entertainer, that is just about the perfect review: entertain the youngsters and make the grown-ups laugh too.
Still a summer favourite
More than a decade after that first enquiry, Burnby Hall Gardens remains one of the summer bookings I particularly look forward to. Beautiful surroundings, friendly people, happy families and a marquee full of laughter — what's not to like?