It’s a safe bet that the audience will need to wipe eyes and check make-up for this raw, emotional, acclaimed drama by  James Graham.

Exploring sensitive subject matter, the killing of an innocent man with a single punch,

the Theatre Royal stage is lit coldly, clinically, warning the audience of the emotional fight ahead.

It's a show that packs an emotional punch.

Based on a true story, in which 19-year-old Jacob Dunne killed trainee paramedic James Hodkinson, for which he later went to prison, this powerful new play explores the childhood that led up to the punch, and the awful aftermath.

Sometimes comedic, sometimes sombre, the six-strong cast excels. Elan Butler shifts demeanour to accentuate contrasting characters. Female actos artfully adapt to playing younger men.

The audience is addressed directly throughout, with frenzied, breathless monologues or heavy questions, most notably by main character, wracked-with-guilt Jacob.

The dialogue, although at times mimicking something from an open mic slam poetry night, is fresh and brings life to the characters.

Being working class and from the East-Midlands himself, Graham seems fascinated with social mobility, or the lack of it, playing a deciding role. The audience is confronted with the social injustice of classism and forced to recognise its influence on the tragic incidents of manslaughter caused by the one-punch.

This production will leave you emotionally wrecked, but optimistically hopeful. Gritty and real, it hits like a punch to the head. Another one of Graham’s successes, this performance demonstrates the effect that restorative justice can have on a young life.