Punch
- 2hr 25min. Incl. 20 min. interval.
- Apollo Theatre
- 5/5 based on 2 reviews
Punch photos
- Booking details
- Booking from: Sunday, 21 September 2025 Booking until: Saturday, 29 November 2025
- Running time: 2hr 25min. Incl. 20 min. interval.
- Age restrictions
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Punch description
This is playwright James Graham’s tragic study of one fatal blow. When a teenage boy kills a trainee paramedic with a single punch one night in Nottingham city centre, lives are changed forever. This beautifully crafted play is based on the real life story.
As a teenager in Nottingham, Jacob and his mates would spend Saturday nights out drinking in the city centre, looking for trouble. One night Jacob threw a single punch that changed his life, killing a trainee paramedic. Eventually released from jail years later, Jacob was a lost soul. Then the victim’s parents ask to meet him and, in search of answers, they make an unexpected connection. Ultimately, Jacob’s life begins to change.
Exploring uncontrolled teen masculinity
This exploration of out-of-control young masculinity is disturbing stuff. As the action unfolds we’re subjected to swagger, recreational violence, drug misuse, alcohol misuse and more. Jacob’s story is set against a bigger picture of toxic politics, poverty, social deprivation, austerity, and the failures of the prison system. The performances have been described as ‘agile and energetic’ and the ensemble’s doubling up is by all accounts impressive.
Don’t expect a depressing experience. Despite the tragedy, behind the crime and punishment, the forgiveness and the ultimate rehabilitation, lies James Graham’s legendary warmth and humour. We think you’ll leave the auditorium full of hope.
The actors and creative team
Directed by Adam Penford and starring some very well-known faces from TV and stage, we have the brilliant Julie Hesmondhalgh as Joan, the victim’s mum, and Tony Hirst as David, his dad. David Shields plays Jacob Dunne himself. Shalisha James-Davis plays Claire (Casualty), Emma Pallant is Jacob’s mother (Cowbois), and Alec Boaden plays three roles: Raf, DS Villiers and Sam.
Punch is directed by Adam Penford, with design by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Robbie Butler, sound design and composition by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement direction by Leanne Pinder and casting by Christopher Worrall CDG. The Voice and Dialect Coaching comes from Sally Hague, and the Fight Direction from Kev McCurdy. The Production Consultant is Jacob Dunne.
