Punch, the latest play by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England, Sherwood) is extending its London run at the Young Vic Theatre.
Punch has been extended by two weeks at the Young Vic, and will now run from 1 March to 26 April 2025.
The show had a great response from audiences, and critics (read the Punch reviews round-up), when it premiered at Nottingham Playhouse earlier this year.
Reprising their acclaimed roles from Nottingham are Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Mr Bates vs The Post Office) as Joan, Tony Hirst (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks) as David, and David Shields (Masters of the Air, Black Mirror) as Jacob.
The cast is completed by Alec Boaden (Masters of the Air, Random Acts) as Raf, DS Villiers and Sam; Shalisha James-Davis (Mary Queen of Scots, Romeo and Juliet) as Clare and Nicola; and Emma Pallant (Cowbois, Queenie) as Wendy, Sandra and Jacob’s Mum.
Punch – New trailer released
Punch is based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne, and tells an extraordinary true story of tragedy, forgiveness, redemption and reform.
As a teenager in Nottingham, Jacob Dunne would spend his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.
The play is directed by Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director 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, Movement Consultation by Lynne Page, Casting by Christopher Worrall CDG, Voice and Dialect Coaching by Sally Hague, Fight Direction by Kev McCurdy, and Production Consultation by Jacob Dunne.
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.”
Punch is playing at The Young Vic from 1 March to 26 April 2025.
James Graham’s stage adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff begins a UK tour at Theatre Royal Windsor from 29 January 2025; and his Olivier-Award winning play Dear England returns to the National Theatre from 10 March 2025.
Book tickets to Punch at The Young Vic in London
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