The tour is set to open at the Nottingham Playhouse on the 25th January 2027.
Further venues and dates have now been announced for the UK & Ireland tour taking place next year for James Graham’s Punch, which is based on Jacob Dunne’s book ‘Right from Wrong’ and directed by Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, Adam Penford.
The new tour venues and dates for 2027 are: BEAM Hertford (23 – 27 March); Glasgow CITZ (30 March – 3 April); The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin (6 – 10 April); The Arts Theatre Cambridge (13 – 17 April) and The Belgrade Theatre Coventry (20 – 24 April).
These dates have been added to the previously announced Nottingham Playhouse (25 January – 6 February) and then tours to previously announced venues: Bath Theatre Royal (9 – 13 February); Birmingham Rep (16 – 20 February); Chichester Festival Theatre (23 – 27 February); Malvern Theatres (2 – 6 March); Blackpool Grand Theatre (9 – 13 March) and Leicester Curve (16 – 20 March).
Casting for the production has yet to be confirmed.
Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, and Director of Punch, Adam Penford, said: “We’re delighted that more audiences across the UK will have the opportunity to see Punch in 2027 and for it to premiere in Ireland. It’s a story of hope, forgiveness and human connection, and we’ve seen from its incredible reception in the West End and on Broadway that it has the same powerful impact, wherever it goes. The UK and Ireland tour also means more opportunities for community engagement work around Punch, ensuring that the play can continue to support the campaigning work of the real-life people whose story we’re telling, at a local level.”
Jacob, 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 Hodgkinson – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.
Punch is a multi-award-winning production including winner of ‘Best New Play’ at the 2026 Olivier Awards, Critics’ Circle Awards and The Standard Awards.
Joining Adam Penford on the creative team are: Anna Fleischle (Production Designer), Robbie Butler (Lighting Designer), Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Sound Designer and Composer), Leanne Pinder (Movement Director) and Christopher Worrall CDG (Casting Director).
For full dates and to book tickets visit: https://punchtheplay.com/uk-tour/