Jamie Riding is a puppeteer, actor, writer, director and pantomime dame from Bournemouth, Dorset. Jamie had a very keen interest in puppetry from an early age. At nursery, he could often be found playing with the puppets and putting on shows for the other children. He loved it to such an extent that his favourite reading book at primary school was a children’s book on puppetry by the current Guild President, Ronnie Le Drew. He was fascinated by all the photos and different types of puppetry. He has also enjoyed all types of theatre. As he grew older, he found his two passions in life - Puppetry and Panto. At the age of 11 Jamie saw Professor Brian Davey’s Punch and Judy Show in Bournemouth Gardens. From that moment onwards he was hooked! He was adamant that he was going to be a Punch and Judy Professor! It all began one magical Christmas morning in 2011. Jamie couldn’t believe his eyes when he came downstairs to be greeted by his very own booth and puppets! It was a dream come true! He then went on to perform his first professional Punch and Judy Show that summer, and has been performing his shows ever since.