James Graham's New Play Punch Coming to Broadway This Fall

James Graham’s new play Punch will come to Broadway this fall via Manhattan Theatre Club. Performances will take place at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

The drama, which received five stars from WhatsOnStage for both its world premiere run at the Nottingham Playhouse in May 2024 and its current transfer to the Young Vic in London, is based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne (who also serves as a production consultant). It tells the true-life account of how Dunne threw a single punch—with fatal consequences—and ended up in prison. It explores themes of forgiveness, toxic masculinity, class and the education system. The show was nominated for two WhatsOnStage Awards including Best New Play.

The Broadway production will be helmed by original director Adam Penford, with dates, casting, and design team to be announced. The ongoing Young Vic production features David Shields as Jacob, Julie Hesmondhaigh as Joan, Tony Hirst as David, Alec Boden, Shalisha James-Davis, and Emma Pallant, with a creative team comprising Anna Fleischle (sets and costumes), Robbie Butler (lighting), Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Leanne Pinder (movement direction), Lynne Page (movement consultation), and Kev McCurdy (fight direction).

MTC’s season will also include The Monsters, a new play about mixed martial arts written and directed  by Ngozi Anyanwu. A co-production with Two River Theater, it will run at New York City Center in winter 2026.