LAUGHTER WHATEVER THE WEATHER

Peak attraction The Heights of Abraham always offers a good value for money day out. A Family ticket for 2 Adults and 2 Children costs £37.50. This includes the Cable Car ride, 2 Show Caverns with guided tours, exhibitions with audio visuals, hillside walks and stunning views across the Derwent Valley. Put into the mix 2 childrens adventure play areas and the free Punch & Judy shows it all adds LAUGHTER to a great day out whatever the weather.

Be they holiday makers or day trippers we in the UK know to come prepared, then come rain or sunshine fun is the order of the day.

Punch and Judy puppeteer, Richard Coombs,is the hidden star of many TV shows and films. These include Mongrels (new series due out soon on BBC), Spitting Image, films such as Babe 2 and even things like the Honey Monster Sugar Puffs advert are in his repertoire. Richard is not always hidden as he can be seen walking round The Heights as he calls his audience to see Mr Punch with his old school bell.

He currently lives and has his workshop, he makes all his own puppets, in Lichfield Staffordshire. This makes him in some way a local lad. He grew up in the seaside resort of Herne Bay Kent and it was there he gained his passion for puppets and a love for Punch & Judy. By the age of 14 he was already performing with his puppets at the Covent Garden puppet Festival.

I love it up here in Derbyshire the audiences come from all over the UK and in fact the world. It has been great to hear overseas visitors laughing the loudest on many occasions!

observed Richard Coombs the puppet master,

Lots of visitors stay longer and watch the show twice they do not know it, but I can see them from my theatre....oh yes I can.

The shows appeal to all ages with an eclectic mix of traditional Punch & Judys non PC fun and one or two elements of more contemporary humour for the adults. There are 3 performances each day at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm until Sept 2nd. They last around 30 minutes giving audiences more than enough time to see and do everything else at The Heights of Abraham. Many in fact sit at the picnic tables and dine alfresco either with a meal from the Summit Bar or The Terrace Coffee shop or of course just bring a picnic.

We recommend to get the best from a visit give yourselves a good 4 hours to take everything in, remember its all included in the price.

John Coulson Marketing & Events Manager commented

Going on the comments from our visitors we know Punch & Judy is an enjoyable added highlight to everyone who visits whatever their age. Some are recalling their childhood memories whilst others are experiencing Mr Punch for the first time. All have one thing in common though and that is laughter.