James Graham’s 'Punch' to transfer to Young Vic in London

Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst will reprise their roles as Joan and David in James Graham's play about a single punch that has fatal consequences.

James Graham’s new play Punch will transfer to London's Young Vic next March, fresh off its run at Nottingham Playhouse.

The show, which tells the shocking true story about the fatal consequences of a single punch on a night out, is based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne.

Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office) and Tony Hirst (Hollyoaks) will reprise their roles as Joan and David, while David Shields (Black Mirror) will return as Jacob.

The cast is completed by Alec Boaden (Masters of the Air) as Raf, DS Villiers and Sam, Shalisha James-Davis (Mary Queen of Scots) as Clare and Nicola, and Emma Pallant (Cowbois) as Wendy, Sandra, and Jacob’s Mum.

Graham said: “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. 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.”

Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Adam Penford will direct. He added: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Punch to the Young Vic, a venue that has its community at its heart, and to give more people the opportunity to experience this unforgettable story. Punch had a profound impact on our audiences in Nottingham because the story is so moving, and asks important questions about what it means to be human and what kind of society we want to live in. It’s particularly pertinent as we enter a new political chapter in the UK. James Graham’s expert writing, with its trademark wit, humanity and storytelling skill, is a joy to stage. And working with the real-life people who feature in the play has been an unforgettably humbling experience for all of us.”

Kwame Kwei-Armah, Young Vic artistic director, said: “Punch is an incredibly moving, heartwarming, gut-wrenching play by one 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. 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.”

The creative team includes design by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design and composition by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction by Leanne Pinder, movement consultation by Lynne Page, and fight direction by Kev McCurdy.

Punch will run at the Young Vic from 1 March-12 April, 2025.

Book Punch tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst in Punch. (Photo by Marc Brenner)