Bo seeks peace by trading Punch

Bo the Clown, who found himself at odds with Newcastle Council over
his children’s entertainment show, has offered to stage a free
seminar for local authority staff on domestic violence and Punch
and Judy.

Bo, alias Derek Carpenter, was asked to drop his Punch and Judy
slot from a children’s conference at Newcastle City Hall after an
officer from the community and housing department complained about
scenes of domestic violence.

But, after protests from Bo, the council softened its
approach.

Carpenter, who said Mr Punch was widely misunderstood, said the
show actually had an anti-violence message.