Punch

by James Graham

In 2011, 19-year-old Jacob Dunne got into a fight on a night out in Nottingham and threw a single punch that killed a 28-year-old stranger named James Hodgkinson . Dunne served prison time and, upon release, engaged in a restorative justice program. In a surprising turn, the victim's parents chose to meet with Dunne rather than harbor vengeance, helping him turn his life around and advocate against street violence .

Genres: Plays

99 pages, Paperback

Published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, rounded up

This is now the 7th play I've read by the prolific young UK playwright - half of which I've really liked, the rest which left me rather cold. This lands squarely mid-ground - didn't love it, didn't hate it. It's an inherently interesting true story about reparative justice, and although both the NYT review of the current Bway production and the Guardian's of the original Nottingham one (linked below) claims the parents get short shrift, I didn't think that the case at all. I just didn't particularly cotton to the way in which the story is dramatized.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/29/th...
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/art...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMy7E...

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this … but I expected more. I’m not sure why.

[dunk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about the ending, but overall a great insight into the idea of consequences and life after being inside. Jacob’s development is so well worked.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating way of revealing a true tragedy. Quite the interesting read.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw, emotional and powerful piece of theatre. Based on a true case, Punch looks at redemption, forgiveness, and life in so many unexplored angles, it's quite breathtaking. This is not one of those feel good,, movie of the week, type stories; it's difficult, it's uncomfortable and it will haunt you.

[Bobby Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until now, I haven't really liked the James Graham plays I've read. But I really enjoyed this one.