Alec Boaden: Journey to the West End

After a triumphant run at Nottingham Playhouse and at the Young Vic, Alec Boaden is returning to 'Punch' for it's West End run at the Apollo Theatre. In the show, Alec multi-roles several characters opposite a cast that includes Julie Hesmondhalgh, Tony Hirst and David Shields as Jacob Dunne. The show tells the extraordinary true story of Jacob Dunne, a regular lad from Nottingham whose impulsive punch led to fatal consequences. When he leaves prison, Jacob meets with Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – a meeting that would profoundly change both of them. Since the show premiered, Jacob's story has rippled worldwide with audiences deeply touched by his successful rehabilitation.

In this brand new interview with Alec Boaden, he tells us about his journey from Television Workshop to training at one of the world's leading drama schools to making his professional stage debut in a five-star rated James Graham play. We hear him talk about his affection for his Nottingham roots and how that's shaped him into the actor he is today. During our conversation, he also reveals that he'll be understudying David Shields in the lead role. After concluding Punch's run at the Young Vic, Alec took on the role of Jude in Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's revival of Noughts & Crosses, an adaptation of Malorie Blackman's bestselling novel. Alec won praise from critics and audiences for his dark portrayal of one of the show's central characters and he tells us about the important responsibility of humanising these darker characters. It's an endearing conversation where he also shares his love for his class at Guildhall as he also tells us about his hopes for his career moving forwards.

Punch runs at the Apollo Theatre, London from 22 October - 29 November with tickets on sale NOW!