Punchis an exploration of male violence.
Some have likened it to the Netflix dramaAdolescence, but thats actually wide off the mark.
Its remarkable how Graham captures the painful heartache and refreshing joy at the core of this play.
David Shields in James Graham’s ‘Punch’Marc Brenner
The actress and filmmaker Kristin Scott Thomas and casting director Lucy Bevan both were seated closeby when I sawPunch.
Both joined in the rapturous standing ovation.
Scott Thomas doesnt always jump to her feet at the theatre.
From left: ‘Punch’ stars Alec Boaden, Tony Hirst, Julie Hesmondhalgh, David Shields, Emma Pallant and Shalisha James-Davis take a bow at the Young Vic. (Baz Bamigboye/Deadline)
We Brits think its an over-the-top American habit.
So when we stand, we mean it.
Acts of genuine kindness are so rare.
Or maybe we journalists just dont report enough of it in newspapers and on TV.
KPPL Productions is a theatre and film company with social justice storytelling at its heart.
Penford explained to Dunne that James Graham would be the perfect dramatist to adapt it.
You dont have to commit to writing the play.
