Punch (play)
Punch is a 2024 play written by British playwright James Graham. It is based on the non-fiction book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne. It premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, before transferring to Young Vic in 2025.
Punch subsequently transferred to the Apollo Theatre in the West End from 22 September to 29 November 2025, where it ran concurrently running with its Broadway counterpart.
Synopsis
Jacob Dunne punches a man with fatal consequences.Background
The play is based on Jacob Dunne's memoir Right From Wrong. Dunne was jailed for the manslaughter of trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson in 2011. Hodgkinson had been visiting Nottingham to attend a test match, and was killed as a result of an unprovoked single punch. Through Restorative justice Hodgkinson's mother Joan Scourfield later forgave Dunne. Dunne and Scourfield have subsequently campaigned about the risks of a single punch, and taken part in Question and Answer sessions together following some performances of the play.After only a handful of performances Dunne was no longer able to watch the second act of the play. After the interval Punch explores him meeting Hodgkinson's mum, a meeting that Dunne acknowledged had a profound effect on him.
Punch was written by James Graham, with direction by Adam Penford. Graham is an Olivier Award-winner who is often described as a state of the nation playwright. His previous work includes Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, and Sherwood. The original productions featured design by Anna Fleischle, with lighting by Robbie Butler, sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, and movement direction by Leanne Pinder.
The play was published by Methuen Drama in March 2025. Jacob Dunne and James Graham appeared as guests on the Rest is Politics: Leading podcast to discuss the Play and its significance.