The production will form part of the Manhattan Theatre Club’s Autumn season.
It has been announced that the Manhattan Theatre Club will present the Broadway premiere of James Graham’s new play Punch, which is currently playing at London’s Young Vic Theatre.
Lynne Meadow, Artistic Director at MTC, said: “All of us at Manhattan Theatre Club are thrilled to welcome the brilliant James Graham, back to the Friedman Theatre, where our production of his play Ink received great acclaim in 2019. James’ fantastic new play Punch, will be helmed by Adam Penford, who will make his Broadway and American debut as Director with the show.”
The play is based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne, which recounts the true-life account of how Nottingham teenager Jacob throws a single punch – with fatal consequences. Released from prison, the parents of the victim ask to meet him. Their quest for answers results in an unlikely connection and Jacob’s life begins to turn around.
James Graham returns to Manhattan Theatre Club where his play Ink received six Tony Award nominations in 2019, including Best Play. The play originally premiered at Nottingham Playhouse, whose other work has gone to America includes: seasons at the Spoleto Festival (Burial at Thebes, Oedipus), the New Haven Festival of Art and Ideas (Burial at Thebes), BAM (A Passage to India), and the Hayes Theater (The Kite Runner), which also completed a USA tour in 2024.
Adam Penford will direct the Broadway production at the Samuel J Friedman Theatre, with dates, casting, and design team to be announced.
The Young Vic production continues to run until the 26th April, starring David Shields as Jacob, Julie Hesmondhalgh as Joan, and Tony Hirst as David, with Alec Boden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant.