The mystery of who Punch really was and the curious links between modern pop music and traditional seaside entertainment will be revealed at an event in Teignmouth in May.

Professional entertainer, lecturer and renowned seaside supremo Dr Tony Lidington will explain at Teignmouth Pavilions on Wednesday May 21.

This is the first Arts Society Teignbridge evening event at a seaside venue.

Dr Lidington, who is a senior lecturer in the University of Exeter’s Department of Communications, Drama and Film and is director of Dawlish arts organisation Promenade Promotions (Prom Prom), will perform and share stories about how seaside entertainment has changed over the years.

Expect to learn who the real Mr Punch was, where the seaside Pierrot troupe originated and how modern pop and comedy are rooted in traditional seaside art forms.

After the interval, Spike Bones will present a new perspective on a traditional Punch and Judy Show.

The seaside event is one of a series of lectures, social gatherings, visits and special interest days organised by The Arts Society Teignbridge. Formed in 1988, The Arts Society Teignmouth, which is affiliated to the national Arts Society, promotes the arts in Teignbridge. Lecture topics are wide-ranging and led by experts exploring topics in art, architecture music and sculpture.

The organisation is also involved in educational and cultural projects throughout the community and sponsors arts workshops in local primary schools and offers volunteer opportunities for a range of projects around Teignbridge.

Pierrot Heroes: the evolution of seaside entertainment takes place at 7:30pm on Wednesday May 21 at The Pavilions Teignmouth.

Tickets for the event cost £12 and are available from the Pavilions box office.