4 out of 5 stars

It's a telling sign in a play when the simple act of spilling a glass of water feels monumental. But such is the play that James Graham has crafted in “Punch” and that director Adam Penford has brought to life. Here’s a story of redemption, involving a British man who commits manslaughter and serves a prison sentence but finds his way back to society – in part by connecting to the parents of his victim (the spilling moment is critical to this). A brilliant cast – especially Will Harrison-- gives the work its dramatic due, notwithstanding the play’s somewhat sluggish first act. 4 out of 5 stars. — Charles Passy

Presented by the Manhattan Theatre Club at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, through Nov. 2, 2025; manhattantheatreclub.com. (Review date: Oct. 4, 2025)