On display: Mr Punch and the 7 Deadly Sins/Virtues

Mr. Punch, presented here as a self-portrait of the artist, is a symbol of traditional puppetry, embodying a sense of playful irreverence and a timeless presence. Punch’s boisterous and sometimes subversive performances have historically challenged norms and societal expectations, echoing the spirit of defiance that characterizes Pride celebrations. Both Pride and Mr. Punch celebrate individuality and authenticity, encouraging us to embrace the vibrant hues of our identities.

In this poignant homage, Oliver has thread the indomitable spirit of Marsha P. Johnson, a pioneering figure in LGBTQ+ history, with the sin of ‘Wrath’, revealing a narrative of resistance, empowerment, and transformation. Johnson, a trailblazing transgender activist and a central figure in the Stonewall Uprising, channels the raw energy of rage into a powerful force for change. Johnson's unyielding determination and fiery activism shattered the shackles of injustice, igniting a movement that continues to blaze forward.

Drawing from the sloth's characteristic unhurried pace and nonconformist behavior, the puppet encapsulates the essence of queerness as a force that challenges the status quo, an audacious rebellion against the conformity of a heteronormative world.

The crocodile's enigmatic demeanor serves as a metaphor for the guarded nature of shyness, where individuals may feel the need to protect their vulnerability, their most authentic selves. Much like the reticent creature, queer individuals navigate complex terrains, their shyness acting as both armor and refuge. Beneath this seemingly impenetrable exterior, both the crocodile and shyness conceal an inherent grace.

The sin of lust, often seen as a transgressive force, resonates deeply within the queer experience—a journey marked by challenging societal norms and embracing authentic desires. Here, the uniformed policeman becomes a symbol of the established order, enforcing rules that have historically marginalized queer identities and love. The very presence of the uniform can evoke both attraction and apprehension, echoing the complexities of desire that queer individuals navigate daily.

The clown in Punch and Judy, a vivid emblem of theatrical exuberance, encapsulates a realm where the boundaries of ordinary existence are transcended in favor of a flamboyant and unrestrained display of emotions. Presented here in ‘drag’ form, queer extravagance (nee-Gluttony) with its audacious embrace of abundance, mirrors the clown’s vibrant spirit, inviting us to revel in a world beyond the ordinary.

The devil in Punch and Judy, traditionally a harbinger of chaos and mischief, undergoes a profound metamorphosis when viewed through the queer lens. Often relegated to a role of villainy, the devil becomes a symbol of resistance—a figure that defies societal expectations and embraces nonconformity. In a similar vein, success and wealth (opposed to the sin of Greed) often narrowly defined by conventional standards, take on a new dimension within the queer narrative.

Design Credits include: A Christmas Carol in the Painted Hall, The Legend of the Jazz Penguin (for Goblin Theatre); The Wishing Tree (Little Angel Theatre); On Railton Road (Dir. Ian Giles / Jerwood); The Snow Queen (Puppets; Rose Theatre Kingston); Mu’A (Rain) (Dam Van Huyhn/Mahogany Opera Group); Palm Grove Tales (Kerala School of Drama, India); Directing credits include: (For Little Angel Theatre) Emily Rising, The Wishing Tree, Masterchef Mo and The Missing Cake, The Singing Mermaid (associate director); Promised Land (Loft Puppet Co. South Africa), Bluebeard’s Castle (Arcola Theatre / Grimeborn Festival), Daedala (Tate Modern Tate Late); El Ensueño del Dorado (Puppetry; Circo Para Todos, Colombia), The Banned Circus Animals (Blind Summit/Roundhouse); Screen credits include: Hot Chip ‘Spell’ (music video; puppeteer); How A Kite Flies (Dir. Ben Gough with Ian Mckellen; puppet design/puppeteer); Canned Laughter & Scraps (dir. Chris Brake; puppet design & puppeteer); The Correspondents ‘Kind of Love’ (music video; puppet director/designer).