Punch (play)

Jacob Dunne punches a man with fatal consequences.^[2]

The play is based on Jacob Dunne's memoir, Right From Wrong.^[3] Dunne was jailed for the manslaughter of trainee paramedic James Hodgkinson in 2011.^[4] Hodgkinson had been visiting Nottingham to attend a test match,^[5] and was killed as a result of an unprovoked^[6] single punch.^[7] Through Restorative justice, Hodgkinson's mother Joan Scourfield later forgave Dunne.^[8] Dunne and Scourfield have subsequently campaigned about the risks of a single punch,^[9] and taken part in Question and Answer sessions together following some performances of the play.^[10]

After only a handful of performances^[4] Dunne was no longer able to watch the second act of the play.^[4] After the interval Punch explores him meeting Hodgkinson's mum, a meeting that Dunne acknowledged had a profound effect on him.^[4]

Punch was written by James Graham, with direction by Adam Penford.^[3] Graham is an Olivier Award-winner who is often described as a state of the nation playwright.^[11][12] His previous work includes Best of Enemies, Dear England, This House, and Sherwood. ^[13] The original productions featured design by Anna Fleischle,^[14] with lighting by Robbie Butler,^[14] sound design by Alexandra Faye Braithwaite,^[14] and movement direction by Leanne Pinder.^[14]

The play was published by Methuen Drama in March 2025.^[15] Jacob Dunne and James Graham appeared as guests on the Rest is Politics: Leading podcast to discuss the play and its significance.^[16]