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Punch
Plays 0 Now booking

Punch

Apollo Theatre 2h 25m Recommended for ages 12+
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About the show

A gripping and deeply human true story of tragedy, justice, and redemption, Punch is James Graham's most moving work yet. Book tickets on BritishTheatre.com.

A True Story That Demands To Be Heard

Based on Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right From Wrong, Punch tells the harrowing and redemptive journey of a Nottingham teenager whose impulsive act changes lives forever. After throwing a fatal punch during a night out, Jacob serves time in prison and emerges lost, guilt-ridden, and searching for purpose. Unexpectedly, he is contacted by the parents of his victim - Joan and David - and their meeting ignites a profound transformation.

This searing new play explores grief, forgiveness, and the hope for change in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Critically acclaimed and deeply affecting, Punch speaks to the heart of justice, masculinity, and humanity.

Cancellation policy: theatre tickets cannot be cancelled, exchanged, or refunded once purchased.

Performance schedule

Monday
Wednesday to Saturday: 7:30pm Tuesday: 7:00pm (with post-show Q&A) Thursday & Saturday matinees: 2:30pm

Cast & Creatives

Cast

  • David Shields – Jacob (Winner, Best Performance in a Play, UK Theatre Awards 2024)

  • Julie Hesmondhalgh – Joan / Nan

  • Tony Hirst – David / Derek / Tony / Raf’s Dad

  • Alec Boaden – Raf / DS Villers / Sam

  • Shalisha James-Davis – Clare / Nicola

  • Emma Pallant – Jacob’s Mum / Wendy / Sandra

Creative Team

  • Playwright: James Graham

  • Based on the book: Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne

  • Director: Adam Penford

  • Production Design: Anna Fleischle

  • Lighting Design: Robbie Butler

  • Sound Design & Composition: Alexandra Faye Braithwaite

  • Movement Direction: Leanne Pinder

  • Casting: Christopher Worrall CDG

  • Associate Director: Omar Khan

  • General Management: New Road Theatricals

David Shields – Best Performance in a Play, UK Theatre Awards 2024
James Graham – Kevin Pakenham Award, Longford Trust 2024

Frequently asked questions

Dates: 22 September – 29 November 2025 Venue: Apollo Theatre

Shaftesbury Avenue

London Special Performances: Gala Night: Friday 26 September at 7:00pm Audio Described: Saturday 1 November at 2:30pm Captioned: Saturday 15 November at 2:30pm BSL Interpreted: Thursday 20 November at 7:30pm

Arrival: Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance begins. Accessibility: The Apollo Theatre offers accessible seating and performances. Contact the venue for full details. Dress Code: Smart casual recommended. Mobile Devices: Must be silenced during the performance. Food & Drink: Outside food and drink not permitted. Onsite refreshments available.

When is Punch playing in the West End?

22 September to 29 November 2025 at the Apollo Theatre.

Is the play based on a true story?

Yes

it is adapted from Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne and tells his real-life story.

Are there post-show discussions?

Yes

every Tuesday performance includes a post-show Q&A with special guests.

What are the access options?

There are captioned

BSL-interpreted

and audio-described performances. Contact the venue for more info.

Venue

Apollo Theatre

31 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES

View venue
Tube

Piccadilly Circus

Train

Charing Cross

Bus

1, 14, 19, 22, 24, 29, 38, 55, 176

Parking

Soho, Chinatown (Q Park Scheme)

Apollo Theatre seating plan

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