Punch is a 2024 play written by British playwright James Graham. It is based on the non-fiction book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne. It premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, before transferring to Young Vic in 2025.
It subsequently transferred to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 22 September to 29 November 2025, where it ran concurrently with its Broadway counterpart.
Synopsis Jacob Dunne punches a man with fatal consequences.
Background The play is based on Jacob Dunne's memoir, Right From Wrong. Dunne was jailed for the manslaughter of trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson in 2011. Hodgkinson had been visiting Nottingham to attend a test match, and was killed as a result of an unprovoked single punch. Through Restorative justice, Hodgkinson's mother Joan Scourfield later forgave Dunne. Dunne and Scourfield have subsequently campaigned about the risks of a single punch, and taken part in Question and Answer sessions together following some performances of the play.
After only a handful of performances Dunne was no longer able to watch the second act of the play. After the interval Punch explores him meeting Hodgkinson's mum, a meeting that Dunne acknowledged had a profound effect on him.
Punch was written by James Graham, with direction by Adam Penford. Graham is an Olivier Award-winner who is often described as a state of the nation playwright. His previous work includes Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, and Sherwood. The original productions featured design by Anna Fleischle, with lighting by Robbie Butler, sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, and movement direction by Leanne Pinder.
The play was published by Methuen Drama in March 2025. Jacob Dunne and James Graham appeared as guests on the Rest is Politics: Leading podcast to discuss the play and its significance.https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/prison-reform-masculinity-and-restorative-justice/id1665265193?i=1000737797729
Production history Nottingham (2024) The world premiere of Punch opened on 4 May 2024, at the Nottingham Playhouse for a limited run and closed on 25 May 2024. The cast included Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, David Shields, Alec Boaden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant. The production received critical acclaim and was nominated for two WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Play.
Off-West End (2025) Punch transferred to Young Vic the following year. Previews began 1 March 2025, with an opening night on 6 March. The original cast returned, with the show running until 26 April.
West End (2025) The show was transferred to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 22 September to 29 November 2025, where it ran concurrently with the Broadway production.
Broadway (2025) Punch premiered on Broadway on 10 September 2025 as part of the Manhattan Theatre Club's 2025-2026 season at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Initial casting was announced in June 2025, with Will Harrison playing Jacob. Uk Tours Following the West End run the play returned to Nottingham Playhouse in March 2026, before a short tour at Leeds Playhouse from 7 to 11 April and Theatre Royal, Plymouth from 14 to 18 April 2026.
Cast and characters CharacterNottinghamOff-West EndBroadwayWest End20242025JacobDavid ShieldsWill HarrisonDavid ShieldsJoanJulie HesmondhalghVictoria ClarkJulie HesmondhalghDavid, Derek, Raf's Dad, and TonyTony HirstSam RobardsTony HirstRaf, DS Villiers, and SamAlec BoadenCody KostroAlec BoadenNicola, Teacher, and ClareShalisha James-DavisCamila Canó-FlaviáShalisha James-DavisWendy, Jacob's Mum, and SandraEmma PallantLucy TaylorEmma Pallant
Awards and nominations 2026 West End production YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult2026Laurence Olivier AwardsBest New PlayJames GrahamBest ActorDavid ShieldsBest Actress in a Supporting RoleJulie HesmondhalghBest Lighting DesignRobbie ButlerCritics' Circle Theatre AwardsBest New PlayJames GrahamBest ActorDavid ShieldsBest ActressJulie HesmondhalghStandard Theatre AwardsBest New PlayJames GrahamBest ActorDavid Shields
2026 Broadway production YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult2026Outer Critics Circle AwardOutstanding New Broadway PlayOutstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway PlayWill HarrisonTony AwardBest Actor in a PlayDorian AwardOutstanding Broadway PlayOutstanding Lead Performance in a Broadway PlayWill HarrisonOutstanding Script of a Broadway PlayJames Graham
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