Punch Tickets
James Graham’s moving, real-life drama about a fateful fight, redemption and restorative justice transfers to the West End.
James Graham's Punch in London
James Graham’s heart wrenching drama Punch transfers to the West End's Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited season this September, following sell-out runs in Nottingham and at the Young Vic. When a teenager delivers a fateful blow on a night out, his life changes forever in this “propulsive and at times poetic” (The Guardian) play. Punch is “another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham” (Telegraph) and his “most moving work yet” (The Times). Book your tickets today!
What is the play Punch about?
A night out in Nottingham, and council estate teenager Jacob is on a drug-fuelled bender filled with brawling, birds, and booze. But when a fight on the street takes a dark turn, one punch alters the course of Jacob’s future forever. At just 19 years old, Jacob is convicted of manslaughter. Grappling with the guilt of his mistakes and struggling to rebuild his future, Jacob finds redemption in an unlikely place when the parents of the boy he killed reach out.
“A powerful meditation on morality” (Telegraph), Punch is based on a devastating true story and is adapted from Right from Wrong, Jacob Dunne’s memoir about his experiences with the Restorative Justice system. Dunne also served as a consultant on the play, which was written by award-winning playwright James Graham.
Graham was granted permission to write the play from the parents of James Hodgkinson, the young man who was killed, and dedicates Punch to his memory and to all those who have lost their lives from one punch.
Punch aims to raise awareness about the Restorative Justice system and how beneficial it can be to young offenders, as well as highlighting the dangers of one punch.
Punch premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse to critical acclaim before transferring to the Young Vic Theatre, selling out at both venues, and has already been confirmed for a Broadway transfer, running co-currently with the West End run this Autumn. “Tucked inside this grave account of crime, punishment, forgiveness and rehabilitation is warmth and humour” (The Guardian) - you won’t want to miss this deeply special, deeply moving play.
Punch London Cast
Main Cast:
- Raf / DS Villiers / Sam - Alec Boaden
- Joan / Nan - Julie Hesmondhalgh
- David / Derek / Tony / Raf's Dad - Tony Hirst
- Clare / Teacher / Nicola - Shalisha James-Davis
- Jacob's Mum / Wendy / Sandra - Emma Pallant
- Jacob - David Shields
Who are the creative team of Punch?
Punch is written by award-winning Nottingham-born playwright and screenwriter James Graham. Graham is best known for his dynamic, fictionalised play adaptations of real-life events, often with a political spin, including football drama Dear England, Quiz - about the Who Wants to be a Millionaire? cheating scandal - and This House, set during the Hung Parliament election of 1974. He is a two-time Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee.
Graham’s Nottingham-set BBC drama Sherwood won two BAFTAs, while his show Brexit: An Uncivil War, which aired on Channel 4 in the UK and internationally on HBO, earned both BAFTA and Emmy nominations. He has also adapted his own work for screen, including Quiz for ITV and an upcoming TV version of Dear England for the BBC.
In 2020 Graham was appointed OBE - Officer of the Order of the British Empire - for services to drama and young people in British theatre. In 2024, the New Statesman magazine included him in their The Left Power List, a "guide to the 50 most influential people in progressive politics" (New Statesman).
Punch is directed by the Nottingham Playhouse's artistic director, Adam Penford, who directed both the Nottingham premiere and the Young Vic transfer. His previous credits include Committee for the Donmar Warehouse,A Small Family Business for the National Theatre, The Sound of Music for Chichester Festival Theatre.
Book Tickets for Punch at the Apollo Theatre Today!
Make sure to bring your tissues along - Punch is a powerful, searing drama and “its climax will have you blubbing” (Time Out). One of the finest playwrights working in Britain today, Graham “turns a tragic story into a truly devastating piece of theatre” (Evening Standard). This hope-filled and heartbreaking play about regret, redemption, class and the criminal justice system sold out its previous runs and has a strictly limited 10-week engagement in the West End, so make sure to book early. Secure your tickets for Punch at the Apollo Theatre today!
This production contains strong language, strobe lighting and flashing lights throughout as well as references to violence, death, bereavement, alcohol and substance misuse and mental health.
Punch London Reviews
User Reviews
Punch - so setting aside the fact I missed the first 10 minutes of this show, this is a power play that is not without its faults. The biggest is that it tries to be a polemic state of the nation type play without realising the power of the play is n Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Punch playing in London?
Punch is playing at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EZ.
What is the age recommendation for Punch?
Punch is best for age 12+.
How long is Punch?
The running time for Punch at Apollo Theatre is 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Is there an interval during Punch?
Yes, there is a 15 minute interval about halfway through Punch.
Can I buy tickets for Punch at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Apollo Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for Punch are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
Loved the set, and the cast moved around a lot. A well acted play, gripping storyline. However not one I would feel I would need to repeat.