Punch at Nottingham Playhouse: “A moving masterpiece” — theatre review
The show is based on a local true story
With four Olivier award nominations, along with Broadway and West End runs, Punch is truly a hit Nottingham show. The production is back in its home of the Nottingham Playhouse, is touring this April, and is going on a nationwide tour in 2027.
I went and reviewed the show with its new cast on its press night. If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this March, Punch is playing at the Nottingham Playhouse until April 4 (tickets from £14.50, nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk).
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Punch review — A moving masterpiece
★★★★★
By Eve Smallman
Photos by Pamela Raith
I don’t think I have ever seen a show in Nottingham with as much hype around it as Punch. When the show had its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, I instantly regretted not seeing it. While I have held that regret for two years, it has not outshone the pride of seeing it light up London’s stages and being nominated for a host of awards.
The play is based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, who penned the book Right From Wrong about his own experience. He fatefully punched James Hodgkinson on a night out in Nottingham and – after serving prison time and looking for direction in life – actually meets the parents of his victim.
The story was adapted for the stage with a script by Ashfield’s James Graham (of Sherwood and Dear England fame) and direction by the Playhouse’s Adam Penford. The show returns to Nottingham Playhouse with a brand-new cast.
From the outside, you’re immediately rushed into the action, with Jacob (Jack James Ryan) scooping the audience up into his world of bright lights and big movements, running through (quite literally) the events leading up to the fateful incident.
Jack James Ryan is mesmerising throughout – he holds your gaze and you can’t look away as he soars on the stage and shouts in a proper Nottingham accent. The dialect coaching work from Anita Gilbert is really immaculate for him.
His character evolves throughout, but the supporting cast also evolve – just between different characters. Finty Williams goes from mouthy nan to heartbroken Joan, Grace Hodgett Young goes from cheeky Clare goes to calming Nicola, and Laura Tebbutt goes from conflicted mum to energetic Wendy.
Plus, Elan Butler (and Television Workshop alum) goes from Jack-the-lad Raf to shy Sam, while Matthew Flynn moves between sullen David to boisterous Tony and Derek seamlessly – so much so that I have to double check the programme to ensure there wasn’t two of him. They match the energy from Jack and add their own swelling to it. Half a dozen people feels like a whole estate and a whole city, whether it’s Jacob’s incarnation or Joan’s grief.
The music and lighting were as transformational as the cast, changing the scene instantly from a nightclub to a living room, matching the energy of the cast, increasing in tempo before some of the more intense moments, before slowing for moments of introspection and grief. Jacob stepping in and out of the spotlight as he reflected on his behaviour early in the show particularly reflected this.
The cast moved effortlessly between the versatile, skate park-esque set masterminded by the Nottingham Playhouse team, which worked as everything from the concrete jungle of town all the way to a community centre. I also really loved the detailed painted scenery, with the towering Meadows houses, the iconic council house, and even a delicately painted Debenhams shopfront.
In the first half I was slightly worried that there wouldn’t be any mention or celebration of James, with Jacob struggling to get his name out (intentionally done, of course). However, in the second part it really did celebrate who he was, with Joan passionately speaking about his hobbies, his mannerisms, and his motto to the best version of himself he could be.
James Graham’s emotive writing is always compelling, but, as a Nottingham resident, I found his writing about the area especially resonated. With giggles at the posh whistles for West Bridgford and nods for holidays to Skegvegas, the audience clearly felt the same. I also found it especially impactful walking through Old Market Square afterwards, where the incident happened.
Punch is a moving masterpiece and a must-see. It’s sure to leave you profoundly affected, whether from the powerful production, the remarkable story, or both. Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Joan in the first run, invites a moment of reflection after the show – and you might just need it.
Punch is playing at the Nottingham Playhouse until April 4 (nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk), and plays at Leeds Playhouse from April 7-11 (leedsplayhouse.org.uk) and Theatre Royal Plymouth from April 14-18 (theatreroyal.com).
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