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Julie Hesmondhalgh is introduced within the solid of the world premiere of James Graham’s new play Punch, directed by Adam Penford and opening at Nottingham Playhouse on 4 Could.
Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Avenue 1998-2014, ITV – Nationwide TV Award 2014, Royal Tv Society Award 2013; The Jungle, St Ann’s Warehouse, New York; The Biggest Play within the Historical past of the World, Royal Trade) is a Manchester based mostly actor, author, theatre-maker and activist. The BAFTA-nominated actor will play the function of the sufferer’s mom, Joan. This follows ITV’s hit Mr Bates vs the Submit Workplace, one other issue-led drama, during which Julie starred reverse Toby Jones.
Tony Hirst (Coronation Avenue, ITV; Hangmen, Royal Court docket and Wyndham’s Theatre) will play the function of the sufferer’s father, David, and Derby-born David Shields (Masters of the Air, Apple TV: Hush, Paines Plough at The Gate Theatre) will characteristic as Jacob Dunne. Different solid members thus far embrace Shalisha James-Davis (Casualty, BBC; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, London Theatre Firm) as Claire and Emma Pallant (Cowbois, and A Christmas Carol, RSC; Enemy of the Individuals, Nottingham Playhouse) as Jacob’s mom. Shalisha and Emma each hail from Nottingham, the place the play is ready.
Punch relies on the e-book Proper from Flawed by Jacob Dunne, an unflinching true-life account of how Nottingham teenager Jacob throws a single punch – with deadly penalties. Launched from jail, the mother and father of the sufferer ask to fulfill him. Their quest for solutions ends in an unlikely connection and Jacob’s life begins to show round.
This fascinating new play examines the unbelievable energy of forgiveness, while asking vital questions on poisonous masculinity, class and our schooling system.
James Graham commented:
“The extra I’ve labored on Punch with Jacob, and with Adam, the extra satisfied I’m of its energy as an actual story for our time. One which reveals a lot about our present justice system, our tradition, and the impression of politics on our group over the previous decade. I’m so delighted with the solid we’ve assembled to come back on this shifting journey with us.”
Adam Penford, Creative Director at Nottingham Playhouse and Director of Punch, mentioned:
“We now have been engaged on this highly effective and unforgettable true-life story for 4 years. To now be asserting the solid, marking the return of Julie Hesmondhalgh to the Playhouse stage, alongside a formidable set of native actors, led by David Shields within the title function, is a big second. James Graham is a world author of unparalleled expertise. He returns to his residence metropolis of Nottingham with this important play, which we hope will change hearts and minds in the best way that solely tradition can.”
Alongside the play, numerous strands of engagement actions will search to discover and spotlight the themes inside it. Following an open callout, Nottingham Playhouse have commissioned native designer Imogen Melhuish to design the ‘Speaking Circle’ – a bodily set up which is able to sit exterior the theatre at some stage in the manufacturing. A collection of post-show panel discussions shall be hosted by Jacob Dunne within the Speaking Circle, every on a unique theme regarding the present and with invited panels of visitor audio system. Viewers members and key group stakeholders may even be invited to participate.
As well as, Michael Palin (Full Circle and Nice Railway Journeys of the World, BBC; Monty Python’s Flying Circus, BBC) will lead one of many two post-show on stage Q&A periods, in dialog with Jacob Dunne. Michael met Jacob in 2015 and has since supported his work in selling restorative justice. ‘The F Phrase’ exhibition from The Forgiveness Undertaking may even sit in Nottingham Playhouse’s Firm bar all through the run of the play, displaying real-life tales of when people have chosen non-violet strategies to resolve battle.
Nottingham’s James Graham is one among Britain’s most celebrated writers, successful a number of Olivier Awards, in addition to BAFTA, Emmy and Tony Award nominations. His most up-to-date play, Boys from the Blackstuff, written together with Alan Bleasdale will shortly switch to the Nationwide Theatre after a run at Liverpool Everyman final yr. Pricey England lately transferred from the Nationwide Theatre to the West Finish. The second collection of his BAFTA-award successful BBC collection, Sherwood, additionally set in Nottingham, premieres this yr. His musical collaboration with Sir Elton John, Tammy Faye, transfers to Broadway this yr.
The artistic group consists of: Manufacturing Designer Anna Fleischle (Dying Of A Salesman, Broadway; 2:22 A Ghost Story, Younger Vic Theatre); Lighting Designer Robbie Butler (Cinderella, Watford Palace Theatre; Oh No It Isn’t, Jack Studio, London); Sound Designer and Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Work It Out, HOME; Misplaced and Discovered, Manufacturing unit Worldwide); Motion Director Leanne Pinder (The Great Wizard of Oz, Mountview; Disruption, The Park Theatre); Motion Advisor Lynne Web page (Lyssa, Royal Opera Home; Judy, Calamity Movies); (Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG (The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Nottingham Playhouse; Name the Midwife, BBC); Manufacturing Advisor Jacob Dunne and Speaking Circle Designer Imogen Melhuish (Brassed Off, Derby Theatre; Not The Final, The MAC, Birmingham).
Punch is kindly sponsored by Nottingham Trent College.
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