A level Drama Trip to See ‘Punch’, Student Review
Last Friday our A level Drama students travelled to London to see Punch, written by state-of-the-nation playwright James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood). Punch brings Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production directed by Adam Penford.
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After spending time in prison, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life. A powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.
Year 13’s Isaac shares his thoughts on the play below:
“Punch was a brilliant production that tackled so many pressing issues, from drug abuse, herd mentality, and a failed school system for those with learning difficulties.
The second act beautifully captured a reconciliation of the victim’s family and the perpetrator, bringing the difficult idea of forgiveness into the forefront.
Taking inspiration from Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong it was incredibly interesting to see how two perspectives of James’ death dealt with the aftermath and the new process in place to restore some form of informal justice between the James’ family and Jacob.
The set and lights were exceptional; what seemed like a bare stage was used effectively to create a nightclub, a housing estate, a prison and a community centre seamlessly. They used the lights well to hide elements of the story such as excluding the physical punch through a blackout; I thought that was a brilliant idea and ensured that the focus was kept on the impact felt by all the characters after that event.”
