Emma Pallant returns to the stage in Punch, a powerful new drama by James Graham, playing at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End. Based on Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right From Wrong, the play explores the ripple effects of a single act of violence and the extraordinary journey toward redemption.
Directed by Adam Penford, Punch features a stellar cast including Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst, and David Shields. Emma Pallant reprises their role as Jacob’s mum, bringing emotional depth to a story that challenges perceptions of justice and humanity.
Punch runs from Monday 22 September to Saturday 29 November 2025, with the official opening night on Friday 26 September. Tickets are available here.
You’re starring in Punch at the Apollo Theatre – what can you tell us about the show?
Punch is a story with universal themes but with Nottingham at its heart. The script, written by Nottingham-born James Graham, is based on the memoir by Jacob Dunne who grew up on the Meadows Estate, and was first created for and performed at Nottingham Playhouse.
It focuses on Jacob as a young man living in the city, specifically the events of a night when he throws a single punch that tragically kills another young man. The story then follows his journey through the legal system and a process of restorative justice which transforms his life.
The production is a fast-paced, funny, moving, and challenging take on an incredibly inspiring story.
Punch is based on a true story, how does that impact your approach to playing Jacob’s mum?
Playing Jacob’s mum does bring with it a very particular responsibility, and one that I don’t take lightly.
In some ways my role is to advocate for her within Jacob’s story, and although it is important to bring a version of her to the stage with honesty, it’s also important to bring love and empathy.
What was it like returning to this role for the West End run, having previously performed it at Nottingham Playhouse?
It’s been wonderful to come back and reunite with the Punch team. As well as the other five actors, it also absolutely goes for the wider team – stage management, technicians and everyone who works to bring the play to the stage.
Having first made the play for Nottingham, we were then lucky enough to perform Punch at the Young Vic where we made adjustments for the new space. I’m sure we will inevitably evolve the production again as it settles into its new home in the West End.
That’s just part of moving a play between venues: any stage, auditorium, and audience bring their own character with them, so it’ll be great to see what “Punch at the Apollo” feels like.
The play explores themes of justice, forgiveness, and transformation, which moments resonate most with you?
I never fail to be touched by the power of forgiveness in this play.
I think especially because it’s a true story, the question people leave the theatre with most often is – could I forgive? It’s extraordinary and inspiring to me that people have that capacity, and how transformative the act of forgiveness can be.
How has working with director Adam Penford and the creative team shaped your performance?
Although all theatre is a collective endeavour, the making of this play has felt particularly collaborative.
As well as working with Adam, we were also lucky to have many other elements in the rehearsal room for a large part of the process: our wonderful choreographer (Leanne Pinder), plus an incredible team of designers – set, lights and sound – all of whom were absolutely fundamental in creating the feel and rhythm of the show.
And of course James (Graham, writer) and even Jacob (Dunne, whose story this is) were also very much part of the process to keep the story on track and the text evolving.
It has felt like a hugely collective enterprise making Punch, and truly such an inspiring environment to create in.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Punch?
Do it! It’s such a visceral night at the theatre and will leave you with really profound questions, but also – perhaps surprisingly – hope.
I think that’s the big takeaway for me: that even in such devastating circumstances, change is possible. Hope is a powerful tool to transformation, and I really hope that’s what an audience will take away with them at the end of the night.
