★★★★★
‘Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham’  The Telegraph

Due to popular demand, March 2026 heralds the return of Punch to Nottingham Playhouse, following its remarkable simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End.  After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s true story sparked discussions everywhere, from theatres to courthouses and the House of Commons. Now it is back, with a brand new cast.  Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood),  has brought  Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production.

Jacob Dunne, a teenager from The Meadowns, Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening in Old Market Square, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.

A powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.

 

Reviews from 2024 production

“Heartbreaking and heartwarming - James Graham's most moving work yet”
5 rating
The Times
“An absolute POWERHOUSE of a production - it NEEDS TO BE SEEN”
5 rating
WhatsOnStage
“FABULOUSLY DIRECTED - Every actor SHINES”
4 rating
The Guardian
“SEARINGLY POWERFUL”
4 rating
The Telegraph
“A BEAUTIFUL, ELOQUENT and SIGNIFICANT play”
4 rating
Financial Times
“ABSOLUTELY RIVETING”
4 rating
The Stage
5 rating
Whats Good To Do
5 rating
East Midlands Theatre
5 rating
Theatre and Tonic

Cast to be announced

Creative Team

Writer James Graham
Director Adam Penford
Production Designer Anna Fleischle
Lighting Designer Robbie Butler
Sound Designer and Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Movement Director Leanne Pinder
Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG
Fight Director Kev McCurdy
Linbury Associate Designer Tallulah Caskey
Props Supervisor Kate Margretts
Lighting Programmer Stanley Olden
Company Stage Manager Patricia Davenport
Production Consultant Jacob Dunne
Talking Circles Designer Imogen Melhuish

Production Photography from original production

In conversation - James Graham and Jacob Dunne

Schools and Groups

Groups

Groups of 10 or more can save up to 20% on full price tickets.

Discount will be automatically applied on the ‘Checkout’ screen. Book up to 20 tickets online with the groups discount, discounts vary per performance and are subject to availability.

See the list of discounted performances on the Group Discounts Page.

Have a large group looking to attend? Please email tickets@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk and a member of the team will be able to assist.

Schools

Show tickets for school pupils are £15.50 each (one teacher goes free with every 10 tickets purchased). Find out more about School Visits here and book by calling Box Office on 0115 941 9419.

Workshops

We will be offering a series of workshops for schools and groups to support their visit to see the show. See here for more information about the workshops available.

Access

We provide British Sign Language Interpretation, Captioning, Reduced Capacity, Relaxed Performance and Audio Description for this production.

Everyone is welcome to attend accessible performances, customers experience the full show including the accessible services.

Find out more about Access at Nottingham Playhouse here.