LT New LOGO

James Graham's 'Punch' to transfer to the West End

David Shields, Alec Boaden, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant will all reprise their roles from the Young Vic.

Olivia Rook
Olivia Rook

Punch, James Graham's play about the one-punch crime in Nottingham that killed James Hodgkinson, will transfer to the West End this autumn. The show will run concurrently with the Broadway staging.

Reprising their roles from the run at the Young Vic are David Shields, Alec Boaden, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant.

In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, our critic said: "There are extraordinary details, directed with care by Nottingham Playhouse artistic director Adam Penford, such as when David refuses to shake hands with Jacob because he does not wish to touch the hand that killed his son. And with Graham at the wheel, it is no surprise that Punch is full of messages about social politics, from the redevelopment of council estates to the redistribution of local government funds."

The creative team includes Anna Fleischle (sets and costumes), Robbie Butler (lighting), Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Leanne Pinder (movement direction), Lynne Page (movement consultation), and Kev McCurdy (fight direction).

The show will run at the Apollo Theatre from 22 September to 29 November. Casting for the Broadway production is yet to be announced.

Book Punch tickets at the Young Vic on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: David Shields in Punch at the Young Vic. (Photo courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

What is Punch - Young Vic about?

Punch is a moving tale of calamity, forgiveness, and hope by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House) based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne. The show tells the story of teenage Dunne, whose life is changed by an impulsive fatal punch; when he connects with the victim’s family, a tale of restorative justice emerges.

How do you book tickets for Punch - Young Vic?

Book tickets for Punch - Young Vic on London Theatre.

Where is Punch - Young Vic playing?

Punch - Young Vic is playing at Young Vic (Main House). The theatre is located at 66 The Cut, London, SE1 8LZ.

What's the age requirement for Punch - Young Vic?

The recommended age for Punch - Young Vic is Ages 12+..

How long is Punch - Young Vic?

The running time of Punch - Young Vic is 2hr 25min. Incl. 1 interval.

Who wrote Punch?

The play is by James Graham and is based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne.

Who directed Punch?

Adam Penford stages the show.

Is Punch appropriate for kids?

This play is best for children ages 12 and above as the show includes strong language as well as references to death, violence, alcohol and substance misuse, and mental health.

Is Punch good?

Punch is an incredibly impactful play that tells the story of tragedy, hope, and restorative justice. The play was a sensation during its run at Nottingham Playhouse. The Times 5-star review said of the play, “Heartbreaking and heartwarming, flecked with horror but also with good jokes, this is Graham’s third new play in 12 months.”

Originally published on

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!

  • Get early access to tickets for the newest shows
  • Access to exclusive deals and promotions
  • Stay in the know about news in the West End
  • Get updates on shows that are important to you

You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy