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

Due to popular demand, Punch  returns to Nottingham Playhouse in 2027, before heading out on a UK Tour. After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s story sparked discussions everywhere, from theatres to courthouses and the House of Commons.  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 Meadows, 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 story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.

Whilst Punch is inspired by a true story, some characters and events have been fictionalised for the purposes of the play.

The cast for the 2027 run of Punch is to be confirmed. 

 

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Trailers
In Rehearsals for the 2026 show
In conversation - James Graham and Jacob Dunne

Reviews

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 Telepraph
A BEAUTIFUL, ELOQUENT and SIGNIFICANT play
4 rating
Financial Times
ABSOLUTELY RIVETING
4 rating
The Stage

Creatives

Director Adam Penford
Production Designer Anna Fleischle
Lighting Designer Robbie Butler
Sound Designer & Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Movement Director Leanne Pinder
Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG
Voice & Dialect Coach Anita Gilbert
Associate Designer Tallulah Caskey
Associate Lighting Designer Charlotte Burton
Associate Sound Designer & Composer Matthew Tuckey
Associate Movement Director Hannah Fairclough

Learning Guides

Self-Care Guide