Everything can change in a moment, sometimes to devastating effect. Demonstrating that is the ambition of ‘One Punch’, a unique one-hour production from the John Godber Company in partnership with the charity One Punch Hull.
Opening on minimalist staging, a square outlined with police tape symbolic of a boxing ring, our story is narrated by three NHS paramedics Corey (Ellis Basford), Sarah (Camille Hainsworth-Staples) and Jack (George Reid) detailing the stresses of their jobs. Setting the scene for the story ahead, it is clear from the beginning this is a cautionary tale. Our narrators smartly guide the audience through the oncoming scenes making up the events of this poignant but fatal day.
The company of three performers switch through multiple characters as they tell the story of Reece and Connor, two life-long friends on a night out in Hull celebrating long-formed birthday traditions. Particularly impressive for Corey (Ellis Bradford) who makes his professional acting debut with this production and shows clear promise for the future. Distinctive character development is clear from Sarah (Camille Hainsworth-Staples) whose performance was both engrossing and seamlessly controlled as she effortlessly switched from knowledgeable paramedic to concerned parent to flirtatious nightclub patron. However, Jack (George Reid) was a real standout and solidified the emotional beat of the piece, especially in his roles as both the protagonist’s father and best friend Connor.
Writer-Director Jane Thorton with her co-writer Martha Godber utilise their knowledge of Hull to create an authentic setting that stays true to the story of Scott Akester that inspires this production. The pace of the show is driven through verse, adding to the snappy nature of the scenes. Although this contributed to comedic elements throughout the story, it often felt that it detracted from the more emotional story beats, and I was left wondering if the commitment to the verse sacrificed more meaningful dialogue at times. However, understanding the importance of the pivotal moment of the one punch crime, unique movement, choreographed by John-William Watson, helps to give gravitas to the scene.
Despite a simple stage, set and production designer Graham Kirk working with director Jane Thorton do well to create different scene environments, the use of coloured lighting is particularly effective here. This is also mirrored through the immersive sound design, developed by Sonum Batra. Cumulatively, they all work to allow the audience to distinctively but quickly move through the different scenes of the story.
As the production aims to dramatize a real-life story, the piece positions itself as an educational production, aiming to raise awareness of one punch attacks and ultimately prevent this situation arising in reality. Whereas the short run time, fast pacing and often predictable storyline positions it perfectly for a schoolchild audience, it can feel lacking in true depth or reflection for an adult audience. Despite this, One Punch is a credible and poignant play that achieves its ambition of highlighting the tragedy of one punch attacks and honouring the memory of Scott Akester.
Reviewer: Harry Alty
Reviewed: 13th February 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 3 out of 5.
