We take a look at what is being said about James Graham’s new play based on true events….
WhatsOnStage: ***** “But its force also springs from its immediacy, from the way Graham, with great subtlety and skill, weaves a picture of a society where young people are lost to the systems that are meant to help them, forced to make impossible choices in their lives. Without lecturing, it explains the social context of Jacob’s action. It also points out the dangers of fighting – 60 people have died from a single punch in the past ten years – and the pressures on organisations such as Remedi, which helped James’ parents.”
London Theatre.co.uk: *** “What is remarkable about this story is the relationship that develops between Jacob and his victim’s parents David and Joan — both on stage and in real life. However, the play’s uneven pace means their decision to meet Jacob feels too sudden. While his backstory is dissected at length, not enough of their emotional journey is shared and Joan, in particular, seems to accept Jacob too readily.”
The Stage: *** “James Graham’s drama about a single-punch killing builds to an emotionally devastating climax.”
All That Dazzles: ***** “James Graham may have enjoyed some big hits in this time, and this may well be his best yet. Moving and heartfelt, Punch really is as powerful as theatre gets.”
The Telegraph: ***** “James Graham’s play, based on the story of Jacob Dunne who killed a man with a single punch in 2011, is a powerful meditation on morality.”
Time Out: **** “Shields is terrific as Jacob: his performance is a modulated study in the ferocity but also the innocence and vulnerability of a young offender. He’s led to a dark place, in part, by his refusal to think through what he’s doing or to engage with the consequences of his actions.”
Rev Stan’s Theatre Blog: ***** “David Shields is mesmerising, navigating Jacob’s journey from lairy jack-the-lad to angry, scared, guilt-ridden and purposeful. Julie Hesmondhalgh also stands out, tenderly navigating a mother grappling with grief and trying to find answers about her son’s death.”
The Reviews Hub: **** 1/2 “Julie Hesmondhalgh and Tony Hirst are excellent as James’s wrought parents who are surprised to find a form of healing with the man who killed their son, while Alec Boaden, Shalisha James-Davis and Emma Pallant complete a strong ensemble cast performing a number of roles.”
The Independent: *** “Transferring to the Young Vic, its thoughtful search for meaning in a senseless act leaves the audience noisily sobbing.”
Theatre & Tonic: ***** “Punch is a refreshing addition to The Young Vic’s programme, establishing itself as a very important piece of theatre. “
Broadway World: ***** “It is difficult to end such a story and the script does tail off a little at the end, but Punch gets you in the gut in a way that is rare in theatre. James Graham has proved yet again what a magician he is at balancing pathos with humour, while managing to explore incredibly serious issues without ever being patronising. How lucky we are to have him.”
Punch continues to play at the Young Vic Theatre until the 26th April.