The Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC) will present the Broadway premiere of the critically acclaimed new play ‘Punch’ by Olivier Award winner and Nottingham-born writer James Graham (known for ‘Sherwood’, ‘Dear England’, and ‘Best of Enemies’) during the autumn 2025 season at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

The announcement follows the successful opening last week of Punch at the Young Vic Theatre, London (The Telegraph, 5 stars, “masterpiece”).

Adam Penford, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, said: “James Graham is a master storyteller, and the real-life story of Punch is profound, thought-provoking and uplifting. It’s ultimately about kindness and building a better world, something which will resonate as strongly with US audiences as it did in the UK.”

Punch is an unflinching true-life account of how Nottingham teenager Jacob throws a single punch – with fatal consequences.

Released from prison, the parents of the victim ask to meet him. Their quest for answers results in an unlikely connection and Jacob’s life begins to turn around.