Press Contact: Natalie Thomas
March 2026
Powerful images of the new cast of Punch have been released, following its opening at Nottingham Playhouse last week. Written by James Graham and based on the book ‘Right from Wrong’ by Jacob Dunne, Punch will play at Theatre Royal Plymouth 14 – 18 April 2026, and a 2027 UK tour has just been announced.
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 the father of James Hodgkinson, David; 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.
Punch 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.
Alongside the play, a number of strands of community engagement activities will give a platform to those affected by its themes. A Talking Circle structure will provide a space for audiences to gather in the foyer area at TRP and reflect on the show, and post-show discussions on related themes in the play will be led by expert external speakers. Audience members and key community stakeholders will be welcomed to take part.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive and Artistic Director for Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “Here at Theatre Royal Plymouth, we’re committed to bringing world-class productions to our stage and championing new work. From the premieres of Matthew Bourne’s Edward Scissorhands and Sadler’s Wells’ Quadrophenia to James Graham’s Dear England, we’re proud that Plymouth audiences experience outstanding new work before anyone else.
“We’re honoured to be one of only three venues in the UK to stage the five-star production PUNCH this year, alongside Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse.
“This really is a must‑see production. To Kill a Mockingbird played here last week, which is a story that has remained powerfully relevant through the decades. Similarly, I genuinely believe that Punch will be studied in schools in years to come. Its messages of forgiveness and restorative justice feel more important than ever, and I want as many people as possible to experience it at this moment.”
The original creative team returns and includes: 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 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.
Punch is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.