Don't miss Punch, a tale of tragedy, hope, and restorative justice from Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England) based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne. Book Punch tickets on TodayTix.
Following a sell-out run at Nottingham Playhouse, Punch comes to the Young Vic Theatre stage starring Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Tony Hirst (Hollyoaks), and David Shields (Black Mirror), who are reprising their roles from the Nottingham Playhouse run.
As Adam Penford, Punch director and Nottingham Playhouse 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."
Punch is a play that tells the tale of teenage Dunne, who, looking to fill his Saturday evening with adventures with his friends, finds his life forever changed after an impulsive fatal punch. After a year in prison, Dunne is directionless before coming in contact with his victim's parents, leading to a beautiful tale of forgiveness and transformation.
2hr 25min. Incl. 1 interval.
Ages 12+.
1st March, 2025
26th April, 2025
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: Waterloo
Bus numbers: Pocock Street (Stop V) 40, 63
Car park: National Car Park Ltd
Punch in London has a talented creative team, including direction by Adam Penford (The Clothes They Stood Up In), lighting design by Robbie Butler (A Christmas Carol), sound design composition by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Giant), and production design by Anna Fleischle (Make It Happen), and Dunne is a production consultant. The rest of the excellent cast includes Alec Boaden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant.
“Punch is an incredibly moving, heartwarming, gut-wrenching play by one of 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.” Kwame Kwei-Arman, the Young Vic artistic director, said, “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.”
Punch, a moving tale of restorative justice by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England) and based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne, comes to the Young Vic Theatre following its sell-out run at Nottingham Playhouse.
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on Punch tickets on TodayTix.
Punch tickets start at £42.
Punch is at London's Young Vic (Main House), which is located at 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ.
Ages 12+.
Punch runs for 2hr 25min. Incl. 1 interval.
James Graham wrote the play that is based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne.
Adam Penford directs the show.
Punch is ideal for children ages 12 and above—it includes references to alcohol and substance misuse, mental health, violence, and death. The play also has some strong language.
Punch is a wonderfully moving play that had a sell-out run at Nottingham Playhouse before transferring to the Young Vic Theatre. It’s a tale of hope and restorative justice that has even reached the House of Commons.
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