Nottingham Playhouse Unveils New Cast for James Graham’s Punch

The Return of PUNCH: A Tale of Restorative Justice

PUNCH, James Graham’s critically acclaimed play based on Jacob Dunne’s book Right from Wrong, is back in town. This time, Nottingham Playhouse has unveiled a new cast for the production, which will run from 13 March through 4 April 2026 at Nottingham Playhouse before transferring to Leeds Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, is thrilled about bringing PUNCH back home. “I’m excited to bring Punch back home to Nottingham after the production’s success in the West End and on Broadway,” he said. “The all-new cast will bring their own take to this important story, honouring what these real-life people achieved.” Penford’s enthusiasm is palpable as he emphasizes the responsibility of telling Jacob Dunne’s story with respect and integrity.

A New Cast for a New Chapter

The new cast features established actors like Elan Butler as Raf and Sam, Matthew Flynn as David, the father of James Hodgkinson, Olivier Award nominee Grace Hodgett Young as Clare and Nicola, Jack James Ryan as Jacob, Laura Tebbutt as Jacob’s mother and Wendy, and Finty Williams as Joan, the mother of James. This ensemble brings a wealth of experience to the stage, ensuring that each character is portrayed with nuance and depth.

The original creative team will return, including production designer Anna Fleischle, lighting designer Robbie Butler, sound designer and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement director Leanne Pinder, and casting director Christopher Worrall CDG. Their expertise is crucial in bringing the story to life on stage.

Engaging with the Community

Nottingham Playhouse aims to go beyond the performance by engaging the community through a series of initiatives connected to the play’s themes. These will include Talking Circles for post-show reflection and facilitated discussions led by external specialists, with participation from audience members and community stakeholders. Such efforts ensure that PUNCH resonates not just in the theater but also in everyday conversations.

The production is sponsored by Nottingham Trent University, underscoring the educational value of this theatrical experience.

Access performances will include BSL-interpreted, captioned, audio-described, touch tour, and relaxed performances across the run to make the play accessible to all audiences. The tour continues at Leeds Playhouse from 7–11 April 2026, with similar access offerings, sponsored by Principal and Access Partner Irwin Mitchell.

Nottingham’s Premier Production

The production will run at Theatre Royal Plymouth from 14–18 April 2026, concluding the tour. Captioned, BSL-interpreted, and audio-described performances will be offered during this run as well. The play is a powerful narrative of accountability, forgiveness, and restorative justice, making it a significant event in the UK theater scene.

PUNCH tells the true story of Jacob Dunne, a teenager from The Meadows in Nottingham whose life is changed irrevocably after a single act of violence.

Following his release from prison, Jacob’s meeting with Joan and David, the parents of his victim James, leads to a process of reflection and transformation. This production is not just a play; it’s an important conversation that needs to be had.

You might think this is new, but PUNCH has been making waves since its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024. It went on to sell-out runs at the Young Vic and transferred to the West End and Broadway in autumn 2025. The play’s themes are timeless, making it a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary theater.