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about Punch
See a powerful new play about one man's path toward redemption with Punch, written by two-time Olivier winner James Graham (Ink). Running at Manhattan Theatre Club's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre at the same time it premieres in London's West End, Punch follows a young man named Jacob through the whirlwind of drugs, girls, and bar fights that consume his life — all leading up to a fatal accident that lands him in prison. But when he unexpectedly connects with the parents of the victim, he finds a way to salvation and a fresh start.
Adam Penford directs what The Times of London hailed as Graham’s “most moving work yet,” based on a true story of a lethal one-punch crime, the devastating aftermath, and the hope that ultimately followed. See breakout star Will Harrison (Daisy Jones & the Six) and two-time Tony Award winner Victoria Clark (Kimberly Akimbo) in this "shattering play" (London Theatre) on Broadway for a limited time only.
The production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.
runtimeTitle
2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
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ageTitle
Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
startingDateTitle
September 9th, 2025
closingDateTitle
November 2nd, 2025
starsOnStageTitle
Will Harrison
Victoria Clark
Camila Canó-Flaviá
Sam Robards
Lucy Taylor
Cody Kostro
Piter Marek
castAndCreative
By: James Graham, based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne
Director: Adam Penford
Producer: Manhattan Theatre Club
Cast list: Will Harrison (as Jacob), Camila Canó-Flaviá (as Clare/Nicola), Sam Robards (as David), Lucy Taylor (as Mum/Wendy), Victoria Clark (as Joan), Cody Kostro (as Raf/Sam), Piter Marek (as Tony/Derek/DS Villers)
Sets: Anna Fleischle
Costumes: Anna Fleischle
Lighting: Robbie Butler
Sound: Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Other info: Original music by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction by Leanne Pinder, dialect coaching by Ben Furey and Charlotte Fleck
venue
accessibility
Elevator access, wheelchair access, assisted listening devices, on-demand closed captioning, open captioning, audio description, Braille and large print Playbills
moreInformation
Punch, a New York premiere, is based on the true-life book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne. Graham was inspired by the moving, brutally honest story and adapted it for the stage. Now, the jolting play comes to the States in a production that is association with Nottingham Playhouse.
Nottingham is its own character in the play, as it is the turf where protagonist Jacob wanders as he does drugs, sleeps with various women, and gets into violent bar fights. After landing in jail for one crime that turned deadly, he is offered a unique chance to meet with the parents of the victim he killed. Can the consequences of his actions also be the building blocks for a new life?
Playwright James Graham is not interested in easy answers, and in having audiences spend time with a character they usually don't see on stage, Graham hopes to illuminate the gray areas within all of us that drive self-questioning and change.
What to watch for
- In a rare occurrence in theatre, Punch is making its West End and Broadway premieres at the same time.
- Based on Jacob Dunne's memoir, Graham’s play recounts how trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson was killed on a night out in Nottingham in 2011 through a single punch to the head, delivered by the then 19-year-old Jacob.
- London Theatre wrote, "With Graham at the wheel, it is no surprise that Punch is full of messages about social politics, from the redevelopment of council estates to the redistribution of local government funds."
- Audiences can expect a specific look at a working-class world in which economics, culture, and politics collide that dictate one family's grief and one man's redemption.
- Director Adam Penford is also the artistic director of Nottingham Playhouse, who is also producing this New York show.
Additional information
- Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
- No weapons permitted on the premises. No outside food or beverages, electric scooters, e-bikes, or battery-powered transportation devices, except when medically necessary.
- All items are subject to inspection. Anything brought into the theatre must fit on your lap or completely under your seat without blocking any aisles.
- The use of cameras, cell phones, and other recording devices during the show is strictly prohibited by law, except when used for accessibility services.
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How do you get tickets for Punch?
Check the top of this page for current availability on Punch tickets on TodayTix.
What is the age recommendation for Punch?
Ages 13+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
Which theatre is Punch at?
Punch is at New York's Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, which is located at 261 West 47th Street, New York, 10036.
What is the running time of Punch?
Punch runs for 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.
What is Punch about?
Punch follows Jacob after a whirlwind of drugs, sex, and violence leads him to prison — but also to the parents of the boy he killed, ultimately changing the course of his life.
Who wrote Punch?
James Graham, author of Ink, wrote the play. His Olivier Award-winning play Dear England, about Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the national football team, had a sold out run at the National in 2023.
Who directs Punch?
Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Adam Penford stages this premiere.
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