Hello! Welcome to another episode of Stalls to Stage, a home for all things theatre!

This weeks guest is Shalisha James Davis, who is currently making her West End debut in Punch, the newest offering from powerhouse writer James Graham. It tells the true story of Jacob Dunne - who as a teenager threw one punch which had fatal consequences for James Hodgkinson.

I’d like to take the chance to offer some trigger warnings for this episode as there are discussions of cancer, depression, and mental health struggles during topic of choice, and of course the discussion around the play itself does involve discussion of death.

But if you’re able to, I hope you give this episode a listen - I do think it’s one of our most important chats yet!

To add to what Shalisha was saying about the wrap around work - the producers of Punch have also committed their royalties and any producer profits

from the West End run into sharing the play with young people around the UK in the future. And on top of this, writer James Graham will be channelling all his earnings from the West End run of Punch into supporting access initiatives in the West End – particularly in paying for tickets and travel for community groups and young people from his home county of Nottinghamshire – and into the educational and social missions beyond the London run. So big up to all involved for understanding some things are more important than profit, and standing on business - love to see it. Punch is running at the Apollo Theatre until November 29th, and details of the post show talks can be found at punchtheplay.com

Also! Votes are now open for the 2026 Stalls to Stage Awards - in which Shalisha is a nominee. To see a full list of nominees and cast your votes, head to stallstostage.co.uk/vote

Until next time!