Apollo Theatre

31 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7ES GB

Punch

Punch Tickets

The critically-acclaimed new play from Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham now at the Apollo Theatre.

4.9 28 reviews from 28 verified reviews
  • Booking until: Saturday, 29 November 2025
  • Running time: 2hr 25min. Incl. 20 min. interval.
Tickets from £108.00
  • Tickets refunded if your event is cancelled
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Punch in London

Are you ready for an emotional rollercoaster? This is a powerful new drama from the BAFTA and Olivier-winning playwright James Graham, inspired by a true tragedy and a play for our times. Relevant, gritty and impactful, you won’t forget Punch any time soon. After two sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, the production now has a well-earned West End transfer this Autumn.

What is Punch about?

A raw and honest exploration of young masculinity and violence, Punch is inspired by Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong. Teenager Jacob Dunne lives in The Meadows, an area of Nottingham. He and his friends spend their Saturday nights drinking in the city, like teens all over the country, but unlike most, they’re looking for trouble. One night, when they’re out in Old Market Square, he punches a stranger and that one act, that one thoughtless move, has fatal consequences. Eventually released from prison, Jacob finds himself adrift. Then Joan and David, the victim’s mum and dad, ask to meet him. They make an unexpected connection and Jacob finally starts to turn his life around.

James Graham (Sherwood, Dear England, Boys From the Blackstuff) has turned Jacob Dunne’s brutal real-life account into a moving new play that’s also entertaining and heartbreaking, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Packed with raw and emotional storytelling that tackles complex social issues with a unique theatrical presentation, Punch is a show that will stay with you long after the show finishes. You are in for a treat when you witness what will be one of the most talked about productions of the year.

Next Performances for Punch at the Apollo Theatre

Wednesday 26th Nov 2025 7:30pm from £168.00
Thursday 27th Nov 2025 2:30pm from £168.00

Punch Official Theatre Tickets

Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Apollo Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for Punch tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for Punch has never been easier.

Punch Ticket Information

  • Booking until:

    Saturday, 29 November 2025

  • Running time:

    2hr 25min. Incl. 20 min. interval.

  • Age restrictions

    Ages 12+.

  • Important Information

    Contains strong language, strobe lighting and flashing lights throughout, as well as references to violence, death, alcohol and substance misuse.

  • Cancellations & Refunds

    Once booked, tickets to Punch are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.

Punch Frequently Asked Questions

What is the running time for Punch?

The running time is 2 hours and 25 minutes, including an interval.

What ages is Punch appropriate for?

Punch is recommended for ages 12 and upwards. It contains mature themes and some upsetting content, including strong language, references to violence, death, bereavement, alcohol and substance misuse, and mental health, and knives on stage.

Is Punch based on a true story?

Yes. Punch has been adapted for the stage by James Graham from Jacob Dunne’s memoir, Right From Wrong, which is based on his own life experiences. The play is dedicated to the memory of James Hodgkinson and other victims of one-punch.

What seats should I select to best enjoy the show?

Opt for central Stalls (rows D to H) for clear sightlines. The front Dress Circle also offers an excellent elevated view with solid acoustics. Avoid extreme side or Upper Circle seats, which can distance you slightly from the performance.

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Punch cheap tickets

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Punch reviews

4.9 out of 5 28 reviews

What to expect:

Acting
Music
Costumes
Story
Lighting
  • Recommended for:
  • Teenagers (93%)
  • Couples (89%)
  • Theatregoers (93%)
Press Reviews

The Telegraph

Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham

Read the full review by »

The Guardian

Tucked inside this grave account of crime, punishment, forgiveness and rehabilitation is warmth and humour

Read the full review by »

Latest customer reviews

All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Punch.

verified

A must see

A Reviewed on 17 November 2025 by
Greece

verified

Unmissable

D Reviewed on 16 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Phenomenal theatre

Absolutely brilliant production. Best performances we have ever seen.

L Reviewed on 14 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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An outstanding show

An incredible piece of theatre, based on a tragic real life story. Thank you for bringing this to us

S Reviewed on 08 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Thought provoking

J Reviewed on 08 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Excellent and emotional

So good. Opens your eyes to another world. Highly recommend.

G Reviewed on 08 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Another brilliant play by James Graham

S Reviewed on 07 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Powerful and moving

An incredible story with a tremendously powerful message! A brilliant production.

C Reviewed on 06 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Theatre at its best!

This production is probably one of the best English play in London right now. By the end of the play, you really feel like the actors on stage are the actual people the story was based on. What a tour de force from all actors involved. Just be prepared to laugh & cry. RIP James Hodgkinson...

T Reviewed on 06 November 2025 by
France

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Powerful performance

The show is compelling with powerful performances from all of the small cast who effortlessly take the part of several characters. The story is real and raw but very thought provoking.

J Reviewed on 02 November 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Must see!

A very powerful play, challenging and thought provoking. The acting was incredible, all the cast were superb. A must see!

M Reviewed on 25 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Very emotional and powerful

K Reviewed on 24 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

A wonderful performance great acting.

Please be careful when in the crowd entering and leaving. My cell phone was stolen in the crowd leaving out of the inside of my purse.

S Reviewed on 23 October 2025 by
Canada

verified

Interesting

Interesting true story, rather static, undercast, needed a wider ensemble.

T Reviewed on 17 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Powerful, great production

A very powerful story with an amazing lead and production.

R Reviewed on 12 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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A play that will stay with you.

Amazing acting and a thought-provoking true story.

G Reviewed on 11 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Interesting take on a real life story

E Reviewed on 02 October 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Humbling

A great performance telling a difficult tale. I enjoyed the second act more than the first. First act seemed a bit disjointed but I appreciate it was part of showing the chaotic and unstable life of the young man. Felt that the breakdown of the relationship with the Mother could have been better explored. Also the brother was barerly mentioned and that dynamic could have been better explored. But a thout provoking play tackling real life issues. Well acted in the main. Also thanks to the theatre staff who changed my seats as I could not manage the stairs.

L Reviewed on 30 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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If Carlsberg did theatre …

This show ticks every box. Outstanding acting and superb storytelling. I had high hopes after everything I’d heard and it certainly lived up to them. Everything you want from a night at the theatre - utterly moving, emotional and joyful. London theatre at its best.

E Reviewed on 26 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Excellent acting

Will make you think - have to get tuned into the accents but worth seeing.

A Reviewed on 25 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

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Fantastic thought provoking production

Punch was a really interesting, thought provoking story, that was told, on stage, with clarity and compassion. The acting, from each of the 6 actors was outstanding. The energy and emotion was evident throughout and took the audience through all the drama and horror of the situation, with an unlikely uplifting ending.

C Reviewed on 24 September 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Top class

Excellent performance and storyline. The acting was top class and its hard to select a particular person as all actors gave it their all. The storyline resonates to us all regardless to our race and economic standing in life and its a good starting point for discussions with underserved members of our community. Must mention...Theatre manager and staff so helpful, as a member of our party is disabled, they went above and beyond to ensure she was comfortable. Thanks a lot.

C Reviewed on 23 September 2025 by
United States Of America

verified

James Graham on fantastic form

Wonderful,play about the underlying social,issues leading to gang violence and in this case death. So insightful.

A Reviewed on 27 April 2025 by
United Kingdom

verified

Heart-wrenchingly brilliant

Incredible writing. Intense production. Multi-layered characters. Heart-breaking story. Amazing performances all round.

V Reviewed on 01 April 2025 by
United Kingdom

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29 Sep
Stuart King Review: PUNCH at Apollo Theatre by Stuart King Monday, September 29 2025, 08:05
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