James Graham’s play Punch, which premièred at Nottingham Playhouse and will transfer to Broadway in autumn 2025, has been celebrated in Parliament.
Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood hosted an event at the House of Commons which recognised the talent and economic impact of the creative industries as well as highlighting the power of storytelling to raise the profile of issues such as restorative justice.
As well as Graham and Greenwood, the speakers included Kate Pakenham of KPPL Productions which supported Punch during its transfer to London’s Young Vic through fundraising and Nottingham Playhouse chief executive Stephanie Sirr MBE.
Guests included Lord Timpson, Minister of State at the Ministry of Justice; Nica Burns, co-owner of Nimax Theatres; Claire Walker, joint chief executive of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre; Jacob Dunne, writer of the book Right from Wrong on which Punch is based; Joan Scourfield, mother of James Hodgkinson who died after being punched by Dunne; Sandra Barefoot of the charity The Forgiveness Project which shares stories from both victims and perpetrators of crime who have rebuilt their lives following hurt and trauma; and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward.
Greenwood said, “theatre like this isn't just nice to have, it's an absolute necessity. You've already heard what an enormous economic contribution that arts and culture make. This is going to the States, it's part of enhancing our reputation around the world.
“Drama like this really, really matters. I couldn't be prouder to represent the city that produced it and nourishes talent and allows young people to see the possibilities.”
Sirr added, “Punch continues to affect and influence people because it’s an entertaining and gripping piece of theatre which addresses some of the most pressing societal issues today: the state of prisons; the impact of poverty on communities; the disconnection of young men from society. And it does so through a very personal story, a heart-breaking tragedy from which something redemptive and deeply human is salvaged.
“It was a pleasure to get so many interested parties in one room with a desire to make change and to demonstrate what theatre can be in a social and educational context.”