News.
NEW IMAGES: Powerful new production images released for James Graham’s acclaimed production Punch
26th March 2026
Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham.” ★★★★★ The Telegraph
“James Graham’s most moving work yet.” ★★★★★ The Times
“Punch stands as a powerful piece of storytelling, using theatre at its very best to spark lasting conversations and leave a profound impact on all who experience it.” ★★★★★ Theatre and Tonic
Leeds Playhouse has released powerful new production images of Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham’s Punch, a true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Based on the book ‘Right from Wrong’ by Jacob Dunne, it is 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 production will open at Leeds Playhouse from 7 – 11 April following successful runs in London and Broadway last year.
Alongside the play, a Talking Circle structure will sit front of house and provide a space for audiences to gather and reflect on the performance, and post-show discussions on related themes will be led by expert speakers.
The cast includes Elan Butler (The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return, Southwark Playhouse and UK Tour; Masters of the Air, Apple TV+) as Raf and Sam; Matthew Flynn (The Winter’s Tale, RSC; Say Nothing, Disney/FX) as David, the father of James Hodgkinson; Olivier-nominated Grace Hodgett Young (Sunset Boulevard, Savoy Theatre/St James Theatre; Hadestown, Lyric Theatre) as Clare and Nicola; Jack James Ryan (Sing Street, Lyric Hammersmith; Coronation Street, ITV) as Jacob; Laura Tebbutt (Mrs Doubtfire, Shaftesbury Theatre; School of Rock, Gillian Lynne Theatre) as Jacob’s mum and Wendy; and Finty Williams (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, National Tour; Run Away, Netflix) as James’ mother, Joan.
Originally created by Nottingham Playhouse and based on the book Right from Wrong by Jacob Dunne, James Graham’s Punch led to the issue of Restorative Justice being raised in Parliament and was cited by a judge when sentencing a one-punch case. Graham was awarded the Kevin Pakenham Award (Longford Trust) for Punch, and David Shields, who originally played the lead character, won Best Performance in a Play at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.
Graham, who is from Nottingham, is one of Britain’s most celebrated writers, winning multiple Olivier Awards, as well as BAFTA, Emmy and Tony Award nominations. His political drama, This House, opened at Leeds Playhouse in 2018. In Punch, he turns Jacob Dunne’s unflinching true-life account into a gripping and moving play that’s energetic, entertaining and heartbreaking.
The original creative team return and include: Production Designer Anna Fleischle (Death Of A Salesman, Broadway; 2:22 A Ghost Story, Young Vic Theatre); Lighting Designer Robbie Butler (How to Win Against History, Bristol Old Vic; Death in Venice, Welsh National Opera); Sound Designer and Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite (Work It Out, HOME; Lost and Found, Factory International); Movement Director Leanne Pinder (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Mountview; Disruption, The Park Theatre); and Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG (The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Nottingham Playhouse; Call the Midwife, BBC).
Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham, spends his Saturday nights seeking thrills with his friends. One fateful evening, 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 true story of hope, humanity, and the possibility of change. Punch is dedicated to the memory of James Hodgkinson and all victims of one punch.
LISTINGS
Nottingham Playhouse in association with KPPL Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures and Eilene Davidson Productions
presents
Punch
7 – 11 April
Leeds Playhouse, Courtyard Theatre
Age Guide 12+
Running Time Approx 2hrs 25mins including one interval
Access Performances:
BSL interpreted: Wed 8 Apr, 7.30pm
Captioned: Wed 8 Apr, 7.30pm
Audio Described + Touch Tour: Fri 10 Apr, 7.30pm
Access productions at Leeds Playhouse are sponsored by Principal and Access Partner Irwin Mitchell