The Story Behind… Too Much Punch For Judy (PDF Digital Edition)

Too Much Punch For Judy is one of, (or perhaps even) the most performed contemporary plays, performed more than 6,000 times. Messages from students, studying the play, asking Mark Wheeller about its background sparked the idea for this unique resource.

This new digital (3rd) edition of Mark Wheeller’s popular book about Too Much Punch For Judy includes:

• Hyperlinks to online videos associated with the material in this book to contextualise and enliven exploration of the play 

• Social and historical information on how and why the play came to be developed, including original diary extracts from Mark and a full accounts from original cast members

• How to generate ideas to stage the seemingly impossible accident scene

• Fully updated statistics relating to the play

• Improvisation ideas used with the original cast to enhance performance

• Police photographs of the wreckage of the actual accident

• Student friendly layout

• The story of the real Judy during, and after the play, including new (sensational) material that came to light in 2020 

• The original (pre Bob ’n’ Nob) opening scene (Captain Assertive) only available previously in the first limited edition of the play

• An account of the professional tour in New Zealand which survived COVID by the director of Aidan Theatre

‘This book was enthralling from start to finish. Not only does it give a clear insight into how Too Much Punch for Judy evolved, it reminds you of the energy and integrity true drama can bring. Without exaggerating Mark Wheeller’s page turner inspired me to give up my leadership duties and get back into the drama studio with my amazing students. Even if you do not discover your Road to Damascus moment you’ll be a lot clearer about Too Much Punch for Judy!!’
Andy – Amazon Review from the First edition of the book.

‘I thoroughly recommend this to other teachers, students, practitioners. It is fantastic to see a resource that will benefit both teacher and student in staging this play. As with ‘Drama Schemes,’ the book is well laid out, an engaging and insightful read.’
Olivia Murphy – Drama and Performing Arts teacher – Bitterne Park School, Hampshire