Ironic that P&J is about a psychopathic male who is violent towards women! 
It's from the 1800's I think... It's not real, I'm sure they probably don't allow the show anymore.. But children back then would maybe have viewed it like a cartoon is viewed these days..
The wouldn't think , I'll try that when I get home...
Back in the 1800 I don't think they thought about psychology, What may have been normal and acceptable then, isn't by today's standards.
I've just checked and I stand corrected... Earliest recorded was the 1700's in England and originated earlier in Italy..
Once commonplace at every seaside resort throughout the country, Punch & Judy shows have been entertaining audiences for many generations.
The show as we know it today has its origins traceable to the Commedia dell Arte street theatre of 16th Century Italy and most probably goes back even further than this. Commedia del Arte had many actors and players; each demanding high fees. It is thought that to keep costs down string puppets (marionettes) replaced the actors in the 17th Century.
http://thepjf.com/history_of_punch_and_judy.html
