Background
The play is based on Jacob Dunne's memoir Right From Wrong. [3] Dunne was jailed for the manslaughter of trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson in 2011. [4] Hodgkinson had been visiting Nottingham to attend a test match, [5] and was killed as a result of an unprovoked [6] single punch. [7] Through Restorative justice Hodgkinson's mother Joan Scourfield later forgave Dunne. [8] Dunne and Scourfield have subsequently campaigned about the risks of a single punch, [9] and taken part in Question and Answer sessions together following some performances of the play. [10]
After only a handful of performances [4] Dunne was no longer able to watch the second act of the play. [4] After the interval Punch explores him meeting Hodgkinson's mum, a meeting that Dunne acknowledged had a profound effect on him. [4]
Punch was written by James Graham, with direction by Adam Penford. [3] Graham is an Olivier Award-winner who is often described as a state of the nation playwright. [11] [12] His previous work includes Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, and Sherwood. [13] The original productions featured design by Anna Fleischle, [14] with lighting by Robbie Butler, [14] sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, [14] and movement direction by Leanne Pinder. [14]
The play was published by Methuen Drama in March 2025. [15] Jacob Dunne and James Graham appeared as guests on the Rest is Politics: Leading Podcast to discuss the Play and its significance. [16]
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. [17] The cast included Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, David Shields, Alec Boaden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant. [13] The production received critical acclaim [18] [19] [20] and was nominated for two WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Play. [2]
Off-West End (2025)
Punch transferred to Young Vic the following year. Previews began 1 March 2025, with an opening night on 6 March. [21] The original cast returned, [2] with the show running until 26 April. [21]
West End (2025)
The show is transfered to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 22 September to 29 November 2025, [22] where it will run concurrently with the Broadway production. [23]
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