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] Although never forgotten, Hodgkinson's mother Joan Scourfield later forgave Dunne. [8] Dunne and Scourfield have subsequently campaigned about the risks of a single punch. [9]
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 affect 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. [10] [11] His previous work includes Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, and Sherwood. [12] The original productions featured design by Anna Fleischle, [13] with lighting by Robbie Butler, [13] sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, [13] and movement direction by Leanne Pinder. [13]
The play was published by Methuen Drama in March 2025. [14]
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. [15] The cast included Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, David Shields, Alec Boaden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant. [12] The production received critical acclaim [16] [17] [18] 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. [19] The original cast returned, [2] with the show running until 26th April. [19]
West End (2025)
The show is scheduled to transfer to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 22 September to 29 November 2025, [20] where it will run concurrently with the Broadway production. [21]
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