Punch - Paperback

by James Graham (Author)

Winner of Best New Play at the Olivier Awards 2026
Winner of Best Play at the London Standard Theatre Awards 2026
Winner of Best New Play at the Critics' Circle Theatre Awards 2026

"Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham" - The Telegraph

One life has been wasted, because of this. Senseless, no reason at all. So where's the sense in wasting another? If we can 'help' him?

Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David - the parents of his victim James - ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob's life.

Based on Jacob Dunne's powerful true-life account of the justice system, Punch is a play igniting discussions everywhere, from theatres and courthouses to the House of Commons.

This edition is published to coincide with the transfer to London's Young Vic in March 2025, following its original commission and production by Nottingham Playhouse.

Author Biography

James Graham is a multi award-winning playwright and screenwriter. His play This House gained critical acclaim, enjoyed a sell-out run at the National Theatre's Olivier in 2013 and its 2017 West End revival was Olivier-nominated. It was chosen by popular vote as the best play of the 2010's by Methuen Drama. James created theatre history when his two plays Ink, about the early days of Rupert Murdoch, and Labour of Love, a romantic political comedy, played in theatres next to each other in the West End in 2017. James won an Olivier award in 2018 for Labour of Love and Ink transferred to Broadway in 2019, receiving six Tony award nominations.