Punch Tickets

Based on Jacob Dunne's memoir, Punch is a moving tale of calamity, forgiveness, and hope. Book Punch tickets onLondon Theatre.

Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England) brings Dunne's powerful story to the Young Vic stage. The play tells the story of Dunne, a Nottingham teenager whose life is changed by an impulsive fatal punch. After spending over a year in prison, a life-changing transformation takes place when Dunne connects with the victim's parents.

Punch in London stars Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) as Joan, Tony Hirst (Hollyoaks) as David, and David Shields (Black Mirror) as Jacob, who are reprising their roles from the show's sell-out run at Nottingham Playhouse.

The Nottingham Playhouse run was a hit with audiences and critics. As The Guardian's 4-star review said, "What is extraordinary is that tucked inside this grave account of crime, punishment, forgiveness and rehabilitation is warmth and humour. You leave the auditorium feeling hope."

Punch is a play with an excellent creative team, including director Adam Penford (The Clothes They Stood Up In), production designer Anna Fleischle (Make It Happen), lighting designer Robbie Butler (A Christmas Carol), sound designer and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Giant), and Dunne is a production consultant.

"This play and the incredible story it tells could not mean more to me. It feels like one of the most moving and urgent real-life dramas I've had the honour of translating to the stage," Graham said. "But despite its important themes of justice, forgiveness, and the human cost of a decade of neglect in these communities, I'm so proud of the surprisingly funny and oddly hopeful show that Adam Penford and the cast have built. I've never not watched without ugly crying and can't wait to share it with a wider audience."

This production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.

Post-show talks will be held to discuss the themes of the show with Jacob Dunne and guests following the performance on 19 March, 2.30pm with a panel of guests, with further details to be announced.

Assisted Performances
Audio-Described: Sat 22 Mar, 2.30pm. Free Touch Tours are available to book on these dates from 1pm for matinees and 6 pm for evening performances.
Captioned: Wed 26 Mar, 2.30pm
Relaxed: Sat 29 Mar, 2:30pm.
Sensory Adapted: Fri 28 March, 7:30pm.