PUNCH, the new play by James Graham (Dear England, Sherwood, Tammy Faye, Boys From the Blackstuff) is transferring to The Young Vic in London following an acclaimed premiere at Nottingham Playhouse.

Based on a true story, Punch is playing at The Young Vic for a strictly limited season from 1 March to 12 April 2024.

The original Nottingham Playhouse cast is reunited for the transfer, including Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Mr Bates vs the Post Office) as Joan, alongside Tony Hirst (Coronation Street, Hangmen) as David, and David Shields (Masters of the Air) as Jacob Dunne.

The cast also features Shalisha James-Davis (Casualty) as Claire, Emma Pallant (Cowbois) as Jacob’s mother, and Alec Boaden as Raf, DS Villiers and Sam.

Punch scored great reviews from critics when it opened in Nottingham in May 2024.

Punch is directed by Adam Penford, and the creative team also includes production 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. Also, Voice and Dialect Coaching is by Sally Hague, Fight Direction by Kev McCurdy, and the Production Consultation by Jacob Dunne.

The drama explores violence and masculinity, inspired by Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong, an unflinching true-life account of how Nottingham teenager Jacob throws a single punch – with fatal consequences.

Released 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.

Playwright James Graham said in a statement: “This play and the incredible story it tells could not 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. But 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 Adam Penford and the cast have built. I’ve never not watched without ugly crying and can’t wait to share it with a wider audience.”

Adam Penford, Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director and Director of Punch, said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Punch to the Young Vic, a venue that has its community at its heart, and to give more people the opportunity to experience this unforgettable story. Punch had a profound impact on our audiences in Nottingham because the story is so moving, and asks important questions about what it means to be human and what kind of society we want to live in. 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.”

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Young Vic Artistic Director, said: “Punch is an incredibly moving, heartwarming, gut-wrenching play by one our finest writers. It’s an extraordinary story both on and off the page and like the very best theatre, it reflects humanity and transcends the stage. It has captured hearts and minds across the country, resonating not only with local communities but in national politics with recommendations by MPs in the House of Commons. We are proud to be staging this production from the brilliant Nottingham Playhouse. This is vital viewing, I urge you to see it.”

James Graham’s hit play Dear England, is returning to the National Theatre in London in March 2025.

James Graham’s new stage adaptation of classic TV drama Boys From the Blackstuff is now playing at the West End’s Garrick Theatre to 3 August 2024.

Punch is playing at The Young Vic in London from 1 March to 12 April 2024.

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Main photo: Punch by James Graham - Nottingham Playhouse. Photo by Marc Brenner

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