KEIGHLEY Festival has real Punch thanks to retired deputy headmaster Keith Davies.

Keith, who taught for many years at Riddlesden St Mary’s Primary School, has become a Punch and Judy man.

He will be entertaining children at various events throughout the festival week, including the launch party on Monday. (July 6)

Performing as Prof Keith, he will be in the festival’s performance area inside the Airedale shopping centre between 12.30pm and 3pm.

Also appearing during that time will be the St Andrew’s Primary School Choir, festival mascots Happycat and Dolly, singer/songwriter den Miller and Filbert the squirrel.

Keith , 66, has performed several Punch and Judy shows for children’s parties and charities since retiring from teaching in 2012.

He said: “I had been interested in Punch and Judy for a long time and over the years had done the occasional show.

“I always thought that when I retired I’d devote more time to Punch and Judy because it’s so much fun.”

Keith bought hand-made equipment from well-known Punch and Judy man John Stiles and other puppets from the Skipton Puppet Festival.

As well as the starring duo, Keith also has Joey the Clown, a baby, policeman and crocodile, and is about to add the devil.

He also has a swizzle stick, which is something similar to a kazoo, to create the authentic sounds.

He said: “You’ve put it in your mouth to produce the traditional Punch voice. The elements and the characters of my show remain the same.

“The characters have different voices. You have to try to avoid getting them mixed up during the show. If you’re not careful you can have a personality crisis!”

Keith said Mr Punch still goes down well with children, due to his mischievousness, slapstick comedy, and the fact he always ends up defeating someone like a devil or a ghost.