LatestReviewsPunch

We had the pleasure of being invited to Theatre Royal Plymouth to watch Punch. Based on true events, the play retraces the story of Jacob Dunne, whose life, and the life of stranger James Hodgkinson and his family, was irrevocably changed by a single, fatal punch on a night out. What followed was not just a retelling of a tragic loss of life, but a profound exploration of the manslaughter conviction and the transformative power of restorative justice, viewed from both sides of the tragedy.

Review by Caitlin Weeks

Copyright: Company Images – Punch Play 2025/26 UK Tour

A Powerful Story Told with Integrity

What is most remarkable about Punch is its restraint. It resists the urge to sensationalise the violence, choosing instead to focus on the human wreckage and the unlikely seeds of hope that follow. There is no easy catharsis here, only a careful, compassionate unfolding of events that feel all the more powerful for their honesty.

The production is heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure. It navigates a complex, nuanced narrative with clarity and purpose, brought to life by a versatile cast of just six. Each performer moves seamlessly between roles, creating a tapestry of voices that feels both expansive and intimate.

At its centre, Jack James Ryan delivers a powerhouse performance as Jacob. His portrayal captures the full arc of a young man shaped by environment and impulse, and later by guilt and reflection. It is a performance that never asks for sympathy, but earns empathy through its raw sincerity. Equally affecting are Finty Williams as Joan and Matthew Flynn as David, James’s parents. Their performances are, at times, almost unbearable to watch in the best possible way, laying grief and raw emotion utterly bare with a gut-wrenching honesty that lingers.

Strikingly Simple Staging

The scenography is deceptively simple yet highly effective. A grey, dingy underpass, set against the looming silhouette of a council estate, evokes a landscape that is instantly recognisable, gritty, grounded, and quietly oppressive. It’s a visual shorthand for a world where small decisions can carry enormous weight.

This stripped-back aesthetic ensures that nothing distracts from the storytelling. Lighting and sound are used with precision, subtly guiding the audience through shifts in time and perspective without ever overwhelming the performances.

Note on Pacing: The first act, in particular, demands the audience’s full attention. It intercuts between Jacob’s present-day support group and fragmented memories of his childhood and adolescence, gradually assembling a portrait of the circumstances that led to that fateful night. The pacing is deliberate, occasionally challenging, but ultimately rewarding as the pieces fall into place.

A Lasting Impact

The production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch violence, a sentiment that resonated deeply throughout the audience. The audience response at Theatre Royal Plymouth spoke volumes. There was a brief, collective stillness as the lights fell, then an eruption of applause that quickly grew into a standing ovation. It felt less like routine appreciation and more like a shared acknowledgement of something deeply affecting.

Punch is a vital, unforgettable piece of theatre. It runs at Theatre Royal Plymouth until the 18th of April. The show then continues its tour across the UK, currently until March 2027, tickets can be booked here. Do not miss it.