After The Applause

Punch is based on the memoir of Jacob Dunne entitled “Right from Wrong” which recounts the true story of a teenager who, on a night out killed a young man with a single lethal punch. This shattering play by James Graham is an emotional, thought-provoking and educational piece of theatre that will leave audiences moved by it’s brilliant take on themes of masculinity. It received one of the quickest standing ovations I have ever seen in a theatre, it truly was absolutely exceptional.

James’ Grahams Punch arrived on the young vic stage at a time where it feels very on trend and relevant. With lots of writers deciding to tackle the issue of toxic masculinity, such as Steven Graham’s Netflix hit Adolescence or the Royal Court’s Manhunt (based on the true story of Raoul Moat). Graham chose the story of Jacob Dunne and more specifically his memoir in which doesn’t focus on the event itself but more the incredibly inspiring story of the years that followed. The play is written so well and it’s structure is clever because whilst the themes are deep and profound, he finds space for moments of humour and character development.

Anna Flieschle’s set is designed very well. At points it is meant to resemble the concrete jungle vibes of the Nottingham streets that Jacob would roam with the “lads” and then it would double as a prison or a therapist’s office. When paired with the striking lighting of Robbie Butler, it achieves all the desired effects with minimum scene changes.

In order for the story to be brought to life you need to have a strong leading man who can take us, the audience, on this journey of education that he is going to go through. From a ‘lad’ out in the streets drinking and dealing, to a reformed man aided by his victim’s mum and dad. David Shield’s is absolutely remarkable, it is hard to describe his performance but it is nothing short of perfection. His ability to show the awkwardness of Jacob and the conflicting feelings within him as he struggles to look James’ (his victim) father in the eye was just incredible. He is an amazing actor who deserves a nomination for the Oliviers as best leading actor (I am in no doubt he will be nominated after its run in the west end!). You also need a cast who can multi-role and create the different atmospheres as we follow Jacob on his journey. Julie Hesmondagh is amazing as Joan (James’ mother), as is Tony Hirst who’s main role is to play James’ father. The pairs chemistry is just brilliant as we watch a broken man supported by his distraught wife try to connect with the troubled youth who took their boy away from them. The scene in which they first meet had everyone in tears, the whole auditorium was mesmerised by not just the acting, but the writing and the naturalistic direction by Adam Penford.

The rest of the cast is made up of Alec Boaden, who plays Jacob’s brother so well and the scene in which they reunite after his prison sentence was beautiful. Emma Pallant, who’s main role is Jacob’s mother which she ,again, plays superbly as she sees her little boy go from innocence to behind bars for murder, and Shalisha James-Davis who plays a worker for restorative justice charity Remedi and also Jacob’s partner.

MY VERDICT:

Punch is an incredible new play written by an amazing writer, it isn’t just incredible because it is written brilliantly but it is the lessons that we as an audience find ourselves learning. It is so raw and emotional and the acting was just sublime, every single actor is just so talented and brings this inspirational story to life. A standing ovation doesn’t go far enough to say how brilliant this show was, it is certainly the best production I have seen in 2025 (so far).

It’s run in the Young Vic is now over, however it is getting a west end run at the Apollo Theatre (22nd September 2025- 29 November 2025). I strongly urge you to see it, it truly is a piece of theatre that will change your perspective and will bring you out feeling inspired, moved and amazed by the show you have just seen!