Nottingham Playhouse has announced casting for its forthcoming world-premiere production of PUNCH by James Graham (Dear England, Sherwood, Tammy Faye, Boys From the Blackstuff).
Punch will star 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.
Other cast members include Shalisha James-Davis (Casualty) as Claire and Emma Pallant (Cowbois) as Jacob’s mother, with further casting to be announced.
The drama, which was announced last year, 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.
Broadcaster and Monty Python Michael Palin will also lead one of two post-performance question and answer sessions, in conversation with Dunne.
Punch is directed by Adam Penford, and runs at the Nottingham Playhouse from 4 to 25 May 2024.
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.
Writer James Graham said in a statement: “The more I’ve worked on Punch with Jacob, and with Adam, the more convinced I am of its power as a real story for our time. One that reveals so much about our current justice system, our culture, and the impact of politics on our community over the past decade. I’m so delighted with the cast we’ve assembled to come on this moving journey with us.”
Director Adam Penfold, who is Nottingham Playhouse’s artistic director, said: “We have been working on this powerful and unforgettable true-life story for four years. To now be announcing the cast, marking the return of Julie Hesmondhalgh to the Playhouse stage, alongside a formidable set of local actors, led by David Shields in the title role, is a significant moment. James Graham is an international writer of unparalleled talent. He returns to his home city of Nottingham with this vital play, which we hope will change hearts and minds in the way that only culture can.”
James Graham appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs this weekend, talking about his life and writing career. Graham recently scored a huge hit with Dear England, at the National Theatre and then the Prince Edward Theatre in London; his new stage adaptation of classic TV drama Boys From the Blackstuff is coming to the National Theatre this May 2024.
Last week, Nottingham Playhouse completed performances on the world-premiere of Minority Report, the new stage adaptation by David Haig of the sci-fi book and movie, directed by Max Webster (Life of Pi) and starring Jodie McNee. The show comes to London’s Lyric Hammersmith in April 2024 – book tickets.
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