James Graham’s Punch to Play London's Young Vic

London's Young Vic Theatre will host a transfer of James Graham's Punch, fresh off its run at Nottingham Playhouse. Running March 1 through April 12, 2025, the production will officially open March 6.

Written by Olivier winning playwright Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, Sherwood), the piece brings Jacob Dunne’s powerful memoir Right From Wrong to the stage. Punch is a story of tragedy, forgiveness, redemption, and reform, and the sell-out Nottingham run has already ignited discussions across the country from theatres to courthouses to the House of Commons.

Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, was just a bored kid looking to fill his time, until one impulsive punch led to fatal consequences. After spending more than a year in prison, he connected with the victim's parents, sparking a profound transformation.

Punch is directed by Adam Penford, with production design by Anna Fleischle. Original cast members Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Mr Bates vs The Post Office), Tony Hirst (Coronation Street, Hollyoaks), and David Shields (Masters of the Air, Black Mirror) will reprise their roles as Joan, David and Jacob, respectively, in the West End production.

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

Post-show talks will be held to discuss the themes of the show with Dunne and guests following the performance on March 11 and 19.

Lighting design is by Robbie Butler, sound design and composition is by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction is by Leanne Pinder, movement consultation is by Lynne Page, casting is by Christopher Worrall, voice and dialect coaching is by Sally Hague, fight direction is by Kev McCurdy, and Dunne is a production consultant.

The Young Vic presents the Nottingham Playhouse production of Punch in association with KPPL Productions and Mark Gordon Pictures.

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