Punch’s Progress is the performance arm of Learning Through Theatre, named as such in 2022. This collective venture consists of four core team members who have worked together on two previous shows, under Learning Through Theatre.

The collective was formed with the aim of creating relevant, original commedia for contemporary audiences. We are conjoined in a mutual love of commedia dell’arte and believe in our shared purpose: to keep commedia alive and vibrant!

Commedia dell'arte, although Italian in origin, influenced the development of cross-cultural theatre throughout Europe and England. We believe it is a vital part of European and British cultural heritage. In 2014, many key players in the theatre community in Italy began an appeal to UNESCO. We join this appeal, taking up the reins for England, to ask UNESCO to recognise commedia dell’arte as intangible cultural heritage that needs to be preserved for the benefit of the world.

Commedia is steeped in theatre history and has so much to teach us, as well as being most excellent fun to perform in - and to watch. Our mission is to share commedia dell arte with as many people as possible, engaging new and diverse audiences with our accessible and entertaining shows that will spread knowledge, appreciation and laughter!