Mike Stone was Brighton's Punch & Judy man for thirty years and last week, at the sadly young age of 54, he died.  This week's picture set remembers him and his stage persona, Sergeant Stone. Mr Punch and his dysfunctional family and friends are historic characters who mix innocent fun with more than a hint of menace and danger. So, in his inimitable way, did Mike Stone.  He had great humour and charm, but his life was a journey not so much along the straight and narrow as veering constantly towards the edge. Well known is the story of the grateful mums who, after one of his seafront shows, went to the back of his box to congratulate him and found the celebrated puppeteer welcoming but also completely naked. There was also his outrageous adult version of his show and a particularly alarming personal appearance at Glyndebourne. But he had a wonderful range of stories of his own and he knew and loved Brighton with a passion. His 25th anniversary as Brighton's Mr Punch was marked by a party on the seafront. It rained cats and dogs, everything was soaking wet, even the sausages, but absolutely everyone, including himself, had a marvellous time. If, as it should be, giving fun and pleasure is more important than wealth and respectability, Mike Stone's life was a tremendous success.

Mike Stone in his box on Brighton seafront in May 2002 (image 2078-9)

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