Review: PUNCH, Nottingham Playhouse
Photo credit: Marc Brenner
Punch is the latest offering from Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham, and acts as a homecoming visit for him as the play gets presented in his hometown of Nottingham. Based on a true story and the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne (who is our central character), Punch tells the story of young man Jacob who finds himself caught up with the wrong crowds growing up and learns how fatal the consequences of just one punch could be. It is a moving piece, but also uplifting as we watch how Jacob turns his life around and wants to use his voice and platforms to make the world a better place.
The play marks a departure from the large scale political pieces such as This House and Dear England that James Graham has become so well known for, and delves into the more personal and local. Whilst there are undercurrents of the political landscape of the time, this is a fairly timeless story that, whilst clearly set in Nottingham, could and probably does happen all over the country. Graham creates fantastic characters, most of whom go on journeys and learn something by the end of the show, regardless of how small their role and stage time is. There are some ideas that are introduced that could be explored further, such as the Talking Circle, but the play gives an insightful education on the practice and value of Restorative Justice.
Nottingham Playhouse’s Artistic Director Adam Penford directs the play and keeps it moving at a good pace. He does a good job at finding the right balance between the theatrical and the realistic – the play is at its strongest, however, in its longer naturalistic scenes. Anna Fleischle’s design is simple but works well in showing the inner city location and claustrophobic nature of Jacob’s life – he can run but he can’t avoid the consequences of his actions. Robbie Butler lights the show very well, depicting the various locations whilst there are minimal set changes, and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite’s sound design and original composition adds tension and emotion where needed.
Leading the cast as Jacob is David Shields who gives a powerhouse performance. He goes from angry teenager to vulnerable young man and growing man who wants to change the world flawlessly. He delivers the complex dialogue with confidence and ease, and builds believable relationships with all of his co-stars.
Acting legend Julie Hesmondhalgh takes on the roles of Nan and Joan. She demonstrates impeccable comic timing as Nan, giving some lightness amongst the heaviness. As Joan, she gives an incredibly moving performance. It feels very special to see the impactful emotionally charged performance she is known for from the TV live on stage. Beside her is Tony Hirst as David who gives an equally moving performance, fuelled with a little more anger, providing an effective contrast between the two performances. Hirst multiroles as Raf’s Dad and Derek, and he does a good job in both roles, as Jacob is started to be led down the wrong path.
Emma Pallant is outstanding in her various roles. She gives an emotional performance as Jacob’s Mum as we see her deterioration into addiction. She is wonderfully likeable as Wendy, Jacob’s Probation Officer, providing genuine support to help him succeed in life. Shalisha James-Davis is lovely as Clare, Jacob’s romantic interest, but particularly shines as Nicola, the Restorative Justice representative. She is used to educate the audience on the practice, which can clearly be a force for good as is seen through the impact that Jacob and Joan have when working together, whilst building excellent rapport with Joan and David, as well as Jacob and Wendy. Alec Boaden completes the cast in various roles. He is believable as Raf, who is the primary force for leading Jacob down the path he goes down. He has a beautiful rapport with Shields’ Jacob when playing Sam, his younger brother. He has good comic timing, whilst also giving a moving performance as they reunite towards the end of the play.
Punch is a moving play, whilst being informative and somewhat challenging, even if it’s not exactly clear what the audience is being challenged to do. Whether this has a future life on stage or screen following this run remains to be seen, but don’t miss this chance to see an incredibly talented company of actors giving some truly wonderful performances.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush
Punch plays at Nottingham Playhouse until 25 May, with further info here.