Traditional favourites on show at Littlehampton Museum

Two traditional British favourites, the circus and Punch and Judy, feature in two separate displays, continuing to September 16.

Visitors are being urged to roll up, roll up to the museum’s Lens Room gallery where the fascinating history of the world-famous Smart’s Circus is told.

From its humble fairground beginnings, to prime time television shows, the circus family’s story is illustrated with brightly coloured publicity posters, some dating back decades, and rarely-seen photographs, together with Billy Smart Senior’s iconic Stetson and cigar.

A celebrity wall reveals the many famous faces who visited, and sometimes took part in the show. But which Dr Who actor starred as guest ringmaster back in the 1950s, and which member of the royal family once rode on the back of a killer whale with Billy Smart’s grandson Gary?

The exhibition has particular relevance to Littlehampton, as the Smart family also set up the Harbour Park amusement complex on the seafront here, still operated by Gary and his sons.

Talking of the seaside, Mr Punch celebrates his 350th birthday next year and he’s getting into the party mood early in the museum’s Hearne Room Gallery.

His first appearance on British soil was at Covent Garden in 1662 and the exhibition traces how puppeteers have changed the show over the centuries.

Visitors can also see if they can meet Mr Punch’s advice on “that’s the way to do it” by having a go at being a “Professor” (as Punch performers are known), with the puppets supplied – just bring your own slapstick.

Again, bringing the exhibition nearer home, there is a special video celebrating “Uncle Charlie” the former Music Hall performer turned Punch and Judy man who was a Littlehampton seafront celebrity in the 1930s.

The exhibition has been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and is curated by “Prof” Glyn Edwards for the Fedora Group, a performing arts charity specialising in traditional puppetry and related activities for young people and family audiences.

Glyn is a world-travelled Punch and Judy Professor from a family of seaside entertainers – for more information see his website www.punch-and-judy.com