Punch review: James Graham’s play is a marvel on London’s West End

by

4 stars

I grew up hearing the story of Jacob Dunne in Nottingham – he tragically killed someone with a single, unprovoked punch. Some school friends learned the details in an assembly, but for the rest of us, it felt like a grim urban legend, only it was sadly real.

I just saw Punch, and it’s a really compelling story. It started at the Nottingham Playhouse, then moved to the Young Vic and finally landed in the West End at the Apollo Theatre. The play details everything that happened leading up to the tragic moment when Dunne fatally punched paramedic James Hodgkinson, but it doesn’t stop there – it also explores the redemption he sought afterwards. It’s a powerful piece that really stays with you, and I’d recommend checking it out if you get the chance. You can find more information about the production here.

This play adapts John Dunne’s book, Right from Wrong, and has been staged by Nottingham native James Graham (known for Dear England, Boys from the Blackstuff, and Best of Enemies). Graham consistently demonstrates why he’s considered one of Britain’s leading contemporary playwrights, and deserves recognition for his work.

A lot happens in Graham’s Punch, but the play is immaculately paced, and no moment feels rushed.

I follow David Shields as he plays Dunne, and right away, I’m with him as he moves around – from Yates’s to Thirland, Bluebell, and Slab Square. He’s constantly talking about the tensions between his area and places like St Ann’s and Radford, and he’s always checking in on his friends in Meadows and Holgate. It doesn’t take long to realize Dunne is a typical young guy, living for the parties and the occasional scuffle. But then, just one thing happens, and his whole life changes in an instant. It’s a really compelling performance, and I was hooked from the start. You can find more information here.

Shields gave a remarkable performance as Dunne, earning the Best Performance in a Play award at the 2025 UK Theatre Awards. The actor brilliantly portrays Dunne’s way of protecting himself, which comes across as both anger and confidence – a vital way for him to cope with growing up in the Meadows. Shields skillfully shows Dunne’s guilt and grief when he meets Hodgkinson’s parents, while also revealing his character’s understanding that the punch was an accident.

The connection that develops between Dunne and Hodgkinson’s parents is the most important aspect of the play, and it’s remarkable to think it’s inspired by a true story.

Julie Hesmondhalgh (known from Coronation Street) and Tony Hirst (from Hollyoaks) portray James’s grieving parents, Joan and David. They encounter their son’s attacker through the restorative justice organization Remedi. The show, Punch, handles the parents’ suffering with sensitivity, while also showing their desire to help the attacker change his life, hoping to prevent further loss. We discover Joan remained with her son until he passed away, but as his death became a murder investigation, she was taken away for questioning instead of being allowed to stay with her family.

The play also explores the question of ‘what if?’, prompting us to consider what might have happened if Hodgkinson hadn’t been dismissed as just another intoxicated person and told to recover on his own, and what if Dunne hadn’t been let down by the systems meant to support him? As Dunne’s probation officer observes in the play, society often focuses on fixing superficial problems like potholes, while neglecting the needs of people who truly need help.

In addition to Shields, the actors in Punch take on several characters, and Alec Boaden particularly impressed me. He plays Raf, Dunne’s brother, as well as other parts. I previously saw Boaden as Jude in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Noughts & Crosses earlier this year, and I’m excited to see what he does next.

This amazing story about how restorative justice can make a difference is only showing for a short period, so we strongly encourage everyone to watch it. Don’t miss out!

Where and when can I see James Graham’s Punch?

Punch has moved to the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End for a short, limited run, concluding on Saturday, November 29th. Don’t miss your chance to see it!

Punch has already enjoyed successful, sold-out performances at both the Nottingham Playhouse and the Young Vic. Therefore, while tickets are currently available, this could change quickly, so it’s best to book soon.

How to get Punch tickets at Apollo Theatre

You can get tickets for Punch now at TodayTix. As of today (Monday 29th September), prices start from £23.

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2025-09-29 19:35