Nottingham Playhouse has announced that James Graham’s play Punch is to transfer to London’s Young Vic Theatre in 2025.
Based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne, Punch was staged at Nottingham Playhouse in May 2024. It ignited discussions across the country from theatres to courthouses and the House of Commons. It tells an extraordinary true story of tragedy, forgiveness, redemption and reform.
Punch is the true-life account of how Nottingham teenager Jacob throws a single punch—with fatal consequences. After his release from prison, the parents of the victim ask to meet him. Their quest for answers results in an unlikely connection and Jacob’s life begins to turn around.
Nottinghamshire writer Graham said, “this play and the incredible story it tells couldn’t mean more to me. It feels like one of the most moving and urgent real-life dramas I’ve had the honour of translating to the stage.
“Despite its important themes of justice, forgiveness and the human cost of a decade of neglect in these communities, I’m so proud of the surprisingly funny and oddly hopeful show that (Nottingham Playhouse artistic director) Adam Penford and the cast built. I’ve never not watched without ugly crying and can’t wait to share it with a wider audience.”
Penford added, “I'm thrilled to be bringing Punch to the Young Vic, a venue that, like Nottingham Playhouse, has its community at its heart, and to give more people the opportunity to experience this unforgettable story.
“Punch had a profound impact in Nottingham because the story is so moving and it asks important questions about what it means to be human and what kind of society we want to live in. Our audience and supporters really got behind the production.
“It’s particularly pertinent as we enter a new political chapter in the UK. James Graham's expert writing, with its trademark wit, humanity and storytelling skill, is a joy to stage. And working with the real-life people who feature in the play has been an unforgettably humbling experience for all of us.”
The original cast reprise their roles. David Shields plays Jacob, Julie Hesmondhalgh is Joan and Tony Hirst plays David. The rest of the cast comprises Alec Boaden (Raf, DS Villiers and Sam), Shalisha James-Davis (Clare and Nicola) and Emma Pallant (Wendy, Sandra and Jacob’s mum).
Penford directs, with production design by Anna Fleischle. Lighting design is by Robbie Butler, sound design and composition by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction by Leanne Pinder, movement consultation by Lynne Page, casting by Christopher Worrall CDG, voice and dialect coaching by Sally Hague and fight direction by Kev McCurdy. Jacob Dunne is production consultant.
Punch will run at the Young Vic from Saturday 1 March until Saturday 12 April 2025.