Post-show conversations
After the Punch
30th September – 25th November 2025
Post-show conversations
After the Punch
30th Sept – 25th Nov 2025
Post-show conversations
After the Punch
30th Sept – 25th Nov 2025
The post-show conversation series – After the Punch – is curated by The Forgiveness Project and will run Tuesday nights from 30th September 2025 featuring a variety of panellists including Marina Cantacuzino MBE (Founder, The Forgiveness Project), Sir Michael Palin (Actor), and Gwen Adshead (Forensic Psychotherapist).
Each Tuesday evening at the Apollo Theatre, in the West End of London, UK, the auditorium becomes a space for dialogue — bringing together cast members, people with lived experience, public figures, and frontline voices. These conversations explore the ripple effects of violence, the complexity of justice, and the role that storytelling, art, and community can play in imagining something better.
This nine-part post-show series invites audiences to explore real-life questions raised by the play Punch — written by Olivier Award-winning Nottingham playwright James Graham, based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne, and directed by Adam Penford.
After the Punch will be co-hosted by a range of Charity Partners from across the social justice and education sectors, on topics including “The Process of Restorative Justice”, “What Makes a Man?” and “The Story Behind Punch”.
This production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.
The post-show conversation series – After the Punch – is curated by The Forgiveness Project and will run Tuesday nights from 30th September 2025 featuring a variety of panellists including Marina Cantacuzino MBE (Founder, The Forgiveness Project), Sir Michael Palin (Actor), Dr Kenny Imafidon MBE (Social Commentator), and Dr Gwen Adshead (Forensic Psychotherapist).
Each Tuesday evening at the Apollo Theatre, in the West End of London, UK, the auditorium becomes a space for dialogue — bringing together cast members, people with lived experience, public figures, and frontline voices. These conversations explore the ripple effects of violence, the complexity of justice, and the role that storytelling, art, and community can play in imagining something better.
This nine-part post-show series invites audiences to explore real-life questions raised by the play Punch — written by Olivier Award-winning Nottingham playwright James Graham, based on the book Right From Wrong by Jacob Dunne, and directed by Adam Penford.
After the Punch will be co-hosted by a range of Charity Partners from across the social justice and education sectors, on topics including “The Process of Restorative Justice”, “What Makes a Man?” and “The Story Behind Punch”.
This production is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.
Thank you to our funders
The Forgiveness Project is grateful to Carol Sellars for her generous support of After the Punch.
Thank you to our funders
The Forgiveness Project is grateful to Carol Sellars for her generous support of After the Punch.
Upcoming post-show conversations in 2025
The post-show talks are free and take place directly after the performance; you must book a ticket to the respective performance of Punch in order to attend.
Upcoming post-show conversations in 2025
The post-show talks are free and take place directly after the performance; you must book a ticket to the respective performance of Punch in order to attend.
Upcoming post-show conversations in 2025
The post-show talks are free and take place directly after the performance; you must book a ticket to the respective performance of Punch in order to attend.
After the Punch
Tues | 30th Sept
Stepping Into the Shoes of Another
After a crime, how is it possible to embark on a journey of understanding?
Theatre has a profound capacity to build empathy and open the door to understanding. This conversation explores what it takes for a victim of crime to meet with the person who has harmed them, and asks how do you forge a path toward understanding, empathy and possibly even forgiveness.
Charity Partner: The Forgiveness Project
Confirmed Speakers: Marina Cantacuzino (Founder, The Forgiveness Project) and Sandra Barefoot (Executive Director, The Forgiveness Project) (Chair), Jo Berry (Founder, Building Bridges for Peace) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Cast Member)
Tues | 30th Sept
Stepping Into the Shoes of Another
After a crime, how is it possible to embark on a journey of understanding?
Theatre has a profound capacity to build empathy and open the door to understanding. This conversation explores what it takes for a victim of crime to meet with the person who has harmed them, and asks how do you forge a path toward understanding, empathy and possibly even forgiveness.
Charity Partner
Confirmed Speakers
Confirmed Speakers: Marina Cantacuzino (Founder, The Forgiveness Project) and Sandra Barefoot (Executive Director, The Forgiveness Project) (Chair), Jo Berry (Founder, Building Bridges for Peace) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Cast Member)
Tues | 30th Sept
Stepping Into the Shoes of Another
After a crime, how is it possible to embark on a journey of understanding?
Theatre has a profound capacity to build empathy and open the door to understanding. This conversation explores what it takes for a victim of crime to meet with the person who has harmed them, and asks how do you forge a path toward understanding, empathy and possibly even forgiveness.
Charity Partner: The Forgiveness Project
Confirmed Speakers: Marina Cantacuzino (Founder, The Forgiveness Project) and Sandra Barefoot (Executive Director, The Forgiveness Project) (Chair), Jo Berry (Founder, Building Bridges for Peace) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (Cast Member)
Tues | 7th Oct
What Makes a Man?
Masculinity, shame, and what lies beneath the surface
This conversation explores the influences that shape young men and boys’ understanding of masculinity in today’s society. The discussion will consider factors such as shame and vulnerability, social media, families and popular culture.
Charity Partner: Football Beyond Borders – Lost Boys Taskforce
Confirmed Speakers: Tony Hirst (Cast Member), Nico Concha (Social and Emotional Learning Practitioner, Football Beyond Borders), Dr Kenny Imafidon MBE (Entrepreneur, Author and Social Commentator), Gethin Jones (Founder, Unlocking Potential)(Chair)
Tues | 7th Oct
What Makes a Man?
Masculinity, shame, and what lies beneath the surface
This conversation explores the influences that shape young men and boys’ understanding of masculinity in today’s society. The discussion will consider factors such as shame and vulnerability, social media, families and popular culture.
Charity Partner
Confirmed Speakers
Tony Hirst (Cast Member), Nico Concha (Social and Emotional Learning Practitioner, Football Beyond Borders), Dr Kenny Imafidon MBE (Entrepreneur, Author and Social Commentator), Gethin Jones (Founder, Unlocking Potential) (Chair)
Tues | 7th Oct
What Makes a Man?
Masculinity, shame, and what lies beneath the surface
This conversation explores the influences that shape young men and boys’ understanding of masculinity in today’s society. The discussion will consider factors such as shame and vulnerability, social media, families and popular culture.
Charity Partner: Football Beyond Borders – Lost Boys Taskforce
Confirmed Speakers: Tony Hirst (Cast Member), Nico Concha (Social and Emotional Learning Practitioner, Football Beyond Borders), Dr Kenny Imafidon MBE (Entrepreneur, Author and Social Commentator), Gethin Jones (Founder, Unlocking Potential) (Chair)
Tues | 14th Oct
The Story Behind Punch
On truth, adaptation, and the power of lived experience
A candid discussion with the real people behind the creation of Punch. How theatre can shape emotion, challenge assumptions, and humanise harm.
Confirmed Speakers: Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), James Graham (Punch Playwright), Adam Penford (Punch Director)(Chair) and David Shields (Punch Cast)
Tues | 14th Oct
The Story Behind Punch
On truth, adaptation, and the power of lived experience
A candid discussion with the real people behind the creation of Punch. How theatre can shape emotion, challenge assumptions, and humanise harm.
Confirmed Speakers
Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), James Graham (Punch Playwright), Adam Penford (Punch Director)(Chair) and David Shields (Punch Cast)
Tues | 14th Oct
The Story Behind Punch
On truth, adaptation, and the power of lived experience
A candid discussion with the real people behind the creation of Punch. How theatre can shape emotion, challenge assumptions, and humanise harm.
Confirmed Speakers: Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), James Graham (Punch Playwright), Adam Penford (Punch Director)(Chair) and David Shields (Punch Cast)
Tues | 21st Oct
The Process of Restorative Justice
Hearing from the real people who engaged in Restorative Justice and inspired the play
This conversation invites the real people who inspired this play to share their own lived experience of Restorative Justice and its enduring impact to this present day.
Charity Partner: Remedi
Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), Joan Scourfield, Nicola Fowler (Restorative Justice Practitioner for Jacob, Joan and David) and Shalisha James-Davis (Punch Cast)
Tues | 21st Oct
The Process of Restorative Justice
Hearing from the real people who engaged in Restorative Justice and inspired the play
This conversation invites the real people who inspired this play to share their own lived experience of Restorative Justice and its enduring impact to this present day.
Charity Partner
Confirmed Speakers
Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), Joan Scourfield, Nicola Fowler (Restorative Justice Practitioner for Jacob, Joan and David) and Shalisha James-Davis (Punch Cast)
Tues | 21st Oct
The Process of Restorative Justice
Hearing from the real people who engaged in Restorative Justice and inspired the play
This conversation invites the real people who inspired this play to share their own lived experience of Restorative Justice and its enduring impact to this present day.
Charity Partner: Remedi
Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong), Joan Scourfield, Nicola Fowler (Restorative Justice Practitioner for Jacob, Joan and David) and Shalisha James-Davis (Punch Cast)
Tues | 28th Oct
Beyond the Sentence
Does a prison sentence really end when you leave prison?
What awaits people returning on release into their communities and the workplace? How willing are employers and the public to believe in reform and rehabilitation? And how can those with lived experience sharing their stories, setbacks and success stories change perceptions? This conversation will show how taking your second chance depends on a complicated range of issues.
Charity Partner: The Longford Trust
Confirmed Speakers: Roxanne Foster (Longford Scholar), Jimmy McGovern (Screenwriter), Andrew Morris (Longford Scholar), Ronke Phillips (Presenter and Reporter)(Chair)
Tues | 28th Oct
Beyond the Sentence
Does a prison sentence really end when you leave prison?
What awaits people returning on release into their communities and the workplace? How willing are employers and the public to believe in reform and rehabilitation? And how can those with lived experience sharing their stories, setbacks and success stories change perceptions? This conversation will show how taking your second chance depends on a complicated range of issues.
Charity Partner
Confirmed Speakers
Roxanne Foster (Longford Scholar), Jimmy McGovern (Screenwriter), Andrew Morris (Longford Scholar), Ronke Phillips (Presenter and Reporter)(Chair)
Tues | 28th Oct
Beyond the Sentence
Does a prison sentence really end when you leave prison?
What awaits people returning on release into their communities and the workplace? How willing are employers and the public to believe in reform and rehabilitation? And how can those with lived experience sharing their stories, setbacks and success stories change perceptions? This conversation will show how taking your second chance depends on a complicated range of issues.
Charity Partner: The Longford Trust
Confirmed Speakers: Roxanne Foster (Longford Scholar), Jimmy McGovern (Screenwriter), Andrew Morris (Longford Scholar), Ronke Phillips (Presenter and Reporter)(Chair)
Tues | 4th Nov
It takes a Village to Raise a Child
What role can communities play in raising our children?
This conversation explores the vital components needed for an entire community to share responsibility in bringing up our children so that they feel they belong and can flourish into adulthood. How can we all get involved in supporting raising our children?
Charity Partners: St Giles Trust & Just for Kids Law
Confirmed Speakers: Aika Stephenson (CEO, Just for Kids Law), Ciaran Thapar (Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Youth Endowment Fund) Desmond Skyers (Senior Mentor, St Giles Trust), Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair)
Tues | 4th nov
It takes a Village to Raise a Child
What role can communities play in raising our children?
This conversation explores the vital components and (real-world practice) needed for an entire community to share responsibility in bringing up our children so that they feel they belong and can flourish into adulthood. How can we all get involved in supporting raising our children?
Charity Partners
Confirmed Speakers
Aika Stephenson (CEO, Just for Kids Law), Ciaran Thapar (Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Youth Endowment Fund) Desmond Skyers (Senior Mentor, St Giles Trust), Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair)
Tues | 4th Nov
It takes a Village to Raise a Child
What role can communities play in raising our children?
This conversation explores the vital components needed for an entire community to share responsibility in bringing up our children so that they feel they belong and can flourish into adulthood. How can we all get involved in supporting raising our children?
Charity Partners: St Giles Trust & Just for Kids Law
Confirmed Speakers: Aika Stephenson (CEO, Just for Kids Law), Ciaran Thapar (Director of Public Affairs and Communications, Youth Endowment Fund) Desmond Skyers (Senior Mentor, St Giles Trust), Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair)
Tues | 11th Nov
Invisible Wounds
How do we understand the effect of harm passed down the generations and empower young people to live well and thrive?
Not all wounds bleed. Some are carried silently along an intergenerational pathway. This conversation explores how the unseen forces of intergenerational trauma, and pain, can shape the behaviours of young lives today. It also asks how understanding intergenerational trauma can empower people to live well and thrive.
Charity Partner: Oasis Restore
Confirmed Speakers: Steve Chalke (Founder, Oasis Trust), Dr Gwen Adshead (Forensic Psychotherapist), Emma Pallant (Cast Member of Punch), Danielle Manson (Barrister)(Chair)
Tues | 11th nov
Invisible Wounds
How do we understand the effect of harm passed down the generations and empower young people to live well and thrive?
Not all wounds bleed. Some are carried silently along an intergenerational pathway. This conversation explores how the unseen forces of intergenerational trauma, and pain, can shape the behaviours of young lives today. It also asks how understanding intergenerational trauma can empower people to live well and thrive.
Charity Partner
Confirmed Speakers
Steve Chalke (Founder, Oasis Trust), Dr Gwen Adshead (Forensic Psychotherapist), Emma Pallant (Cast Member of Punch), Danielle Manson (Barrister)(Chair)
Tues | 11th Nov
Invisible Wounds
How do we understand the effect of harm passed down the generations and empower young people to live well and thrive?
Not all wounds bleed. Some are carried silently along an intergenerational pathway. This conversation explores how the unseen forces of intergenerational trauma, and pain, can shape the behaviours of young lives today. It also asks how understanding intergenerational trauma can empower people to live well and thrive.
Charity Partner: Oasis Restore
Confirmed Speakers: Steve Chalke (Founder, Oasis Trust), Dr Gwen Adshead (Forensic Psychotherapist), Emma Pallant (Cast Member of Punch), Danielle Manson (Barrister)(Chair)
Tues | 18th Nov
Facing the People We Harm (Restorative Justice Week)
Exploring the promise of restorative justice
This conversation explores the promise and possibilities of restorative justice. What does it mean to take responsibility and accountability for harm? What are the factors that make this process possible? And in what ways can it support profound transformative change?
Charity Partners: Why Me?, Calm Mediation & Remedi
Confirmed Speakers: Julie Clark (Service Lead, Calm Mediation), Michael Palin (Actor)(Chair), Nick Dawson (Author and Ambassador, Why Me?)
Tues | 18th nov
Facing the People We Harm (Restorative Justice Week)
Exploring the promise of restorative justice
This conversation explores the promise and possibilities of restorative justice. What does it mean to take responsibility and accountability for harm? What are the factors that make this process possible? And in what ways can it support profound transformative change?
Charity Partners
Confirmed Speakers
Julie Clark (Service Lead, Calm Mediation), Michael Palin (Actor)(Chair), Nick Dawson (Author and Ambassador, Why Me?)
Tues | 18th Nov
Facing the People We Harm (Restorative Justice Week)
Exploring the promise of restorative justice
This conversation explores the promise and possibilities of restorative justice. What does it mean to take responsibility and accountability for harm? What are the factors that make this process possible? And in what ways can it support profound transformative change?
Charity Partners: Why Me?, Calm Mediation & Remedi
Confirmed Speakers: Julie Clark (Service Lead, Calm Mediation), Michael Palin (Actor)(Chair), Nick Dawson (Author and Ambassador, Why Me?)
Tues | 25th Nov
Justice Beyond the Headlines
Bridging divides to find common ground on justice
This discussion brings together Author and Campaigner, Jacob Dunne, and former Labour strategist, now writer and broadcaster, Alastair Campbell. Together they’ll explore how Britain can move past political divides and work towards a justice system that better serves victims, communities, and society as a whole.
Charity Partner: The Common Ground Justice Project
Speakers: Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair), Alastair Campbell (Author and Broadcaster), Alice Dawnay (Co-Founder, The Common Ground Justice Project)
Tues | 25th nov
Justice Beyond the Headlines
Bridging divides to find common ground on justice
This discussion brings together Author and Campaigner, Jacob Dunne, and former Labour strategist, now writer and broadcaster, Alastair Campbell. Together they’ll explore how Britain can move past political divides and work towards a justice system that better serves victims, communities, and society as a whole.
Charity Partner
Speakers
Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair), Alastair Campbell (Author and Broadcaster), Alice Dawnay (Co-Founder, The Common Ground Justice Project)
Tues | 25th Nov
Justice Beyond the Headlines
Bridging divides to find common ground on justice
This discussion brings together Author and Campaigner, Jacob Dunne, and former Labour strategist, now writer and broadcaster, Alastair Campbell. Together they’ll explore how Britain can move past political divides and work towards a justice system that better serves victims, communities, and society as a whole.
Charity Partner: The Common Ground Justice Project
Speakers: Jacob Dunne (Author of Right from Wrong)(Chair), Alastair Campbell (Author and Broadcaster), Alice Dawnay (Co-Founder, The Common Ground Justice Project)
22nd Sept – 29th Nov
Punch
Following sold-out runs at the Nottingham Playhouse and Young Vic, Punch transfers to the West End (London, UK) for a strictly limited 10-week season from 22nd September. Don’t miss your chance to see this critically-acclaimed new play in a “powerhouse of a production” (WhatsOnStage) at the Apollo Theatre.
The Nottingham Playhouse production of Punch is produced in the West End by KPPL Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures, Eilene Davidson Productions in association with the Young Vic and Nica Burns.
From Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood), Punch brings Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production directed by Adam Penford.
Jacob, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.
A powerful true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.