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Punch
Nominated for Best New Play at the Olivier Awards 2026
Nominated for Best New Play at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2026
"Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham" - The Telegraph
One life has been wasted, because of this. Senseless, no reason at all. So where's the sense in wasting another? If we can 'help' him?
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob's life.
Based on Jacob Dunne's powerful true-life account of the justice system, Punch is a play igniting discussions everywhere, from theatres and courthouses to the House of Commons.
This edition is published to coincide with the transfer to London's Young Vic in March 2025, following its original commission and production by Nottingham Playhouse.
Nominated for Best New Play at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2026
"Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham" - The Telegraph
One life has been wasted, because of this. Senseless, no reason at all. So where's the sense in wasting another? If we can 'help' him?
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob's life.
Based on Jacob Dunne's powerful true-life account of the justice system, Punch is a play igniting discussions everywhere, from theatres and courthouses to the House of Commons.
This edition is published to coincide with the transfer to London's Young Vic in March 2025, following its original commission and production by Nottingham Playhouse.
- GenresPlays
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 17, 2025
the sooner it’s on the national curriculum the better. an astounding piece of work.
July 4, 2025
As absorbing to read as it was to watch.
Read
August 9, 2025I usually enjoy James Graham’s plays, but this one kinda lost me. Relies a bit too much on narration for my liking and ends up "telling" rather than "showing".
February 21, 2026
Amazing
June 10, 2025
A really powerful story that anyone will benefit from reading. I’m hoping I’ll get to see this live at some point.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews