Punch Tickets

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? This is a powerful new drama from the BAFTA and Olivier winning playwright James Graham, inspired by a true tragedy and a play for our times. Relevant, gritty and impactful, you won’t forget Punch any time soon.

A raw and honest exploration of young masculinity and violence, Punch is inspired by Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong. A talented cast brings this important piece of theatre to life. Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs the Post Office, Coronation Street), Tony Hirst (Coronation Street) and David Shields (Masters of the Air, Hush) reprise their critically acclaimed roles, bringing the Nottingham world premiere to a well-deserved West End run.

Punch - The Story

Teenager Jacob Dunne lives in The Meadows, an area of Nottingham. He and his friends spend their Saturday nights drinking in the city, like teens all over the country, but unlike most, they’re looking for trouble. One night, when they’re out in Old Market Square, he punches a stranger and that one act, that one thoughtless move, has fatal consequences. Eventually released from prison, Jacob finds himself adrift. Then Joan and David, the victim’s mum and dad, ask to meet him. They make an unexpected connection and Jacob finally starts to turn his life around.

Expect a moving play, a deep exploration of violence and redemption, and a serious account of crime, punishment, forgiveness and rehabilitation. Told with honesty, warmth and humour, the overall message is one of hope.

About Punch

James Graham (Sherwood, Dear England, Boys From the Blackstuff) has turned Jacob Dunne’s brutal real-life account into a moving new play that’s also entertaining and heartbreaking, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. He’s the winner of multiple Olivier Awards along with BAFTA, Emmy and Tony nominations.

This is the Nottingham Playhouse production, presented in association with KPPL Productions and Mark Gordon Pictures. As you’d expect from such a powerful piece of theatre the production contains strong language, references to violence, death and bereavement, substance and alcohol misuse, and problems with mental health.

Punch Cast and Creatives

Joining Julie Hesmondhalgh as Joan, Tony Hirst as David, and David Shields as Jacob Dunne himself, we have Shalisha James-Davis as Claire (Casualty), Emma Pallant as Jacob’s mother, (Cowbois) and Alec Boaden as Raf, DS Villiers and Sam.

Punch is directed by Adam Penford, with design by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design and composition by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction by Leanne Pinder, and casting by Christopher Worrall CDG. The Voice and Dialect Coaching comes from Sally Hague, the Fight Direction from Kev McCurdy, and the Production Consultant is Jacob Dunne. The show is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all the other victims of ‘one-punch’ violence.

Packed with raw and emotional storytelling that tackles complex social issues with a unique theatrical presentation, Punch is a show that will stay with you long after the show finishes.