Book Tickets for Punch – West End's Most Powerful New Play

Following critically acclaimed, sold-out runs at Nottingham Playhouse and the Young Vic, Punch now takes its place on the West End stage at the Apollo Theatre for a strictly limited 10-week season from 22 September 2025. Don’t miss your chance to witness this compelling real-life story, penned by Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham (Dear England, Sherwood), and directed by Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse. Based on Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right From Wrong, this production is more than theatre—it’s a call to compassion and change.

A True Story That Changed Lives—and Could Change Yours

Punch tells the story of Jacob Dunne, a Nottingham teenager who delivered a single punch during a night out that led to a man's death. After serving time in prison, Jacob is directionless—until a request from the victim’s parents, Joan and David, to meet him sets him on a life-altering path. What unfolds is a raw and redemptive narrative of remorse, accountability, and the human potential for change. This is not fiction; it’s a story that echoes in prisons, parliaments, and hearts across the country.

Award-Winning Performances, Real Impact

David Shields returns in his award-winning role as Jacob (UK Theatre Awards 2024, Best Performance in a Play), alongside Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs the Post Office) and Tony Hirst (Boiling Point). With a powerhouse ensemble and creative team, including production designer Anna Fleischle, lighting designer Robbie Butler, and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Punch is both artistically daring and emotionally resonant. Critics call it “gut-wrenching, hard-hitting and, at times, really funny… an absolute powerhouse of a production” (WhatsOnStage ★★★★★).

Theatre That Sparks National Conversations

More than a play, Punch is part of a broader conversation around justice, masculinity, and forgiveness. The production’s reach extends beyond the stage with community engagement, post-show discussions, and an educational programme including special performances for schools and a free learning pack. Every Tuesday performance features a post-show Q&A with special guests, adding depth to the experience and sparking vital conversations.

Experience Punch at the Apollo Theatre This Autumn

This is your invitation to be part of a theatre event that is as vital as it is moving. With a simultaneous Broadway premiere, Punch is becoming a trans-Atlantic moment in modern theatre. Performances run until 29 November 2025 only—make sure you are there. All producer profits will go toward making the show accessible to young people. Book Punch tickets now and witness one of the most impactful plays of the year.