Punch cast, headshots supplied by Nottingham Playhouse and photo on the right by Roy J Baron
Nottingham Playhouse has announced a new cast for James Graham’s Punch as the production returns to Nottingham before touring to Leeds Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth.
The production premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024 and later ran at the Young Vic. It subsequently transferred to the West End and Broadway in autumn 2025.
Elan Butler will play Raf and Sam. Matthew Flynn will appear as David, the father of James Hodgkinson. Grace Hodgett-Young will play Clare and Nicola, with Jack James Ryan as Jacob. Laura Tebbutt will play Jacob’s mum and Wendy, while Finty Williams will play Joan, James’ mother.
Adam Penford, artistic director at Nottingham Playhouse and director of the production, said he was pleased to bring the show back to Nottingham following its runs in London and New York, adding that the new company would present their own interpretation of the story while maintaining a focus on telling the real-life account with care.
Punch is based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne and follows the events surrounding Dunne, a teenager from The Meadows in Nottingham, whose involvement in a violent incident in Old Market Square resulted in the death of James Hodgkinson. After serving a prison sentence, Dunne is approached by Hodgkinson’s parents, Joan and David, who ask to meet him, leading to a change in his life.
The production will be accompanied by community engagement activity linked to the themes of the play. These will include Talking Circle sessions for audiences to discuss the work and post-show discussions led by external speakers, with opportunities for audience members and community representatives to take part.
The original creative team returns, 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
