Quick Read
- Nottingham Playhouse announced a new cast for James Graham’s play «PUNCH» for its 2026 run.
- «PUNCH» is based on Jacob Dunne’s true story of accountability and forgiveness after a violent act.
- The play premiered in 2024 and had sold-out runs at the Young Vic, West End, and Broadway in 2025.
- The 2026 Nottingham engagement runs from March 13 to April 4, followed by a UK tour.
- New cast members include Jack James Ryan as Jacob, with Adam Penford returning as director.
NOTTINGHAM (Azat TV) – Nottingham Playhouse has announced a brand-new cast for James Graham’s critically acclaimed play, «PUNCH,» ahead of its return to Nottingham and subsequent UK tour in spring 2026. The production, which delves into intricate themes of accountability, forgiveness, and restorative justice, has previously garnered significant success with sold-out runs at the Young Vic, followed by transfers to the West End and Broadway in autumn 2025.
«PUNCH» is based on Jacob Dunne’s unflinching true-life account, «Right from Wrong.» The narrative explores Dunne’s life-altering experience after an impulsive act of violence in Old Market Square, Nottingham, led to fatal consequences. Following his release from prison, Dunne embarks on a profound journey of reflection and transformation, sparked by a meeting with Joan and David, the parents of his victim, James Hodgkinson.
The Acclaimed Journey of James Graham’s ‘PUNCH’
Since its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, «PUNCH» has resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning five-star reviews from publications such as The Telegraph, which hailed it as «Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham,» and The Times, which called it «James Graham’s most moving work yet.» The play’s initial run ignited discussions from courthouses to the House of Commons on the topic of Restorative Justice, underscoring its significant societal impact.
Its success led to a sold-out engagement at London’s Young Vic, followed by highly anticipated transfers to the West End and Broadway in autumn 2025, solidifying its status as a major theatrical event. The current announcement marks the play’s return to its origins before embarking on a broader tour, allowing more audiences to engage with its powerful message.
New Cast and Creative Team for ‘PUNCH’s’ 2026 Run
The newly announced ensemble for «PUNCH» features a talented lineup of actors bringing fresh interpretations to the real-life characters. Elan Butler will portray Raf and Sam, while Matthew Flynn steps into the role of David, James Hodgkinson’s father. Olivier Award nominee Grace Hodgett Young will play Clare and Nicola, and Jack James Ryan takes on the central role of Jacob. Laura Tebbutt will appear as Jacob’s mother and Wendy, with Finty Williams cast as Joan, James’s mother.
The original creative team, instrumental in the play’s initial success, will return for this run. Adam Penford, Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, will once again direct the production. He expressed his excitement, stating, «I’m excited to bring Punch back home to Nottingham after the production’s success in the West End and on Broadway. The all-new cast will bring their own take to this important story, honouring what these real-life people achieved. As ever, utmost in all our minds, is the responsibility of telling the account with respect and integrity.» The team also includes production designer Anna Fleischle, lighting designer Robbie Butler, sound designer and composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, movement director Leanne Pinder, and casting director Christopher Worrall.
Nottingham Engagement and UK Tour Dates
The Nottingham Playhouse engagement for «PUNCH» is scheduled from March 13 through April 4, 2026, with a press night set for Wednesday, March 18. Following its run in Nottingham, the production is set to tour across the UK, with performances at Leeds Playhouse from April 7–11, 2026, and Theatre Royal Plymouth from April 14–18, 2026.
Nottingham Playhouse continues its commitment to community involvement and accessibility, offering a series of initiatives linked to the play’s themes. These include «Talking Circles» for post-show reflection and facilitated discussions led by external specialists, welcoming audience members and community stakeholders. Access performances, including BSL-interpreted, captioned, audio-described, touch tour, and relaxed performances, will be available across all venues to ensure broad audience participation.
The sustained success and touring schedule of «PUNCH,» coupled with the introduction of a new cast, underscore the enduring relevance of its themes of restorative justice and human transformation, signaling a continued impact on both the theatrical landscape and broader societal discourse.