Nottingham Playhouse announces new cast for James Graham’s acclaimed PUNCH
Nottingham Playhouse has announced the brand-new cast for James Graham’s Punch, as it returns to Nottingham from 13 March-4 April, before transferring to Leeds Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
Following its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, Punch went on to a sell-out run at the Young Vic, followed by acclaimed West End and Broadway transfers in Autumn 2025.
The cast includes Elan Butler (The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, Southwark Playhouse/UK tour) as Raf and Sam; Matthew Flynn (The Winter’s Tale, RSC) as the father of James Hodgkinson, David; Olivier-nominated Grace Hodgett Young (Sunset Boulevard, West End/Broadway) as Clare and Nicola; Jack James Ryan (Sing Street, Lyric Hammersmith) as Jacob; Laura Tebbutt (Mrs Doubtfire, West End) as Jacob’s mum and Wendy; and Finty Williams (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, National tour) as James’ mother, Joan.
Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse and Director of Punch, Adam Penford, said: “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.”
Punch is based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne, an unflinching true-life account of the power of forgiveness. It sparked discussions from courthouses to the House of Commons on the topic of Restorative Justice in its original run.
The original creative team returns and 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 CDG.
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from The Meadows, Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening in Old Market Square, an impulsive punch leads to fatal consequences. After serving prison time, Jacob finds himself lost and directionless. Searching for answers, Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – ask to meet, sparking a profound transformation in Jacob’s life.
A powerful story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change.