Leeds Playhouse New Cast for James Graham’s Punch 2026

Key Points

• Leeds Playhouse has announced a new cast for James Graham’s Olivier Award-winning play Punch, a true story of hope, humanity, and restorative justice.
• The production, originally premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, enjoyed sell-out runs at Young Vic, Broadway, and West End in 2025 before touring to Leeds Playhouse from 7–11 April 2026.
• It will also play at Theatre Royal Plymouth as part of the Nottingham Playhouse production.
• New cast includes Elan Butler as Raf and Sam; Matthew Flynn as David (father of James Hodgkinson); Olivier-nominated Grace Hodgett Young as Clare and Nicola; Jack James Ryan as Jacob; Laura Tebbutt as Jacob’s mum and Wendy; and Finty Williams as James’ mother, Joan.
• Directed by Adam Penford, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, who emphasised the cast’s fresh take while honouring the real-life story with respect.
• Creative team returns: Designer Anna Fleischle, Lighting Designer Robbie Butler, Sound Designer and Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite, Movement Director Leanne Pinder, and Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG.
• Punch is based on Jacob Dunne’s book Right from Wrong, chronicling a Nottingham teenager’s fatal punch, imprisonment, and path to forgiveness through meetings with the victim’s parents.
• The story has sparked national discussions on restorative justice, from courthouses to the House of Commons.

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 10, 2026 – Leeds Playhouse has unveiled an exciting new cast for the acclaimed production of James Graham’s Punch, the Olivier Award-winning play drawing from a real-life tale of tragedy, forgiveness, and restorative justice. This Nottingham Playhouse production, fresh from sell-out runs across major venues, arrives at Leeds Playhouse for a limited run from 7 to 11 April, promising to captivate audiences with its raw emotional power.

What Is the Story Behind James Graham’s Punch?

Punch, penned by the Olivier Award-winning playwright James Graham, transforms the harrowing true events from Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong into a gripping stage narrative. As detailed in the original announcement from Northern Arts Review, the play centres on Jacob Dunne, a teenager from Nottingham’s Meadows estate, whose impulsive punch in Old Market Square one Saturday night leads to fatal consequences for James Hodgkinson.

According to the production synopsis reported by Northern Arts Review staff, after serving time in prison, Jacob emerges lost and directionless. The turning point comes when Joan and David – the parents of his victim James – request a meeting, igniting a profound personal transformation. This encounter forms the heart of the story, exploring themes of hope, humanity, and the potential for change through restorative justice.

The play’s impact extends beyond the stage. As noted in coverage by Northern Arts Review, Punch sparked widespread discussions during its initial run, influencing debates from local courthouses to the House of Commons on the merits of restorative justice practices.

Who Are the New Cast Members Joining Punch at Leeds Playhouse?

Leeds Playhouse’s announcement highlights a stellar ensemble bringing fresh interpretations to the roles. As reported by Northern Arts Review on February 10, 2026, the cast comprises:

• 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.
• Grace Hodgett Young, Olivier-nominated for her roles in Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre/St James Theatre) and 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.
• Finty Williams (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, National Tour; Run Away, Netflix) as James’ mother, Joan.

These performers, drawn from television, film, and prestigious theatre credits, are set to infuse the production with nuanced performances during its Leeds stint.

Why Is Director Adam Penford Excited About This New Cast?

Adam Penford, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse and director of Punch, shared his enthusiasm for the casting choice. As reported by Northern Arts Review, Penford stated:

“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.”

Penford’s comments underscore the production’s commitment to authenticity, ensuring the narrative respects the individuals involved while allowing artistic interpretation.

What Is the Production History of Punch?

The journey of Punch has been meteoric. It world-premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, followed by a sell-out engagement at the Young Vic. By autumn 2025, it had transferred triumphantly to Broadway and the West End, cementing its status as a theatrical phenomenon, as covered extensively by Northern Arts Review.

Now, under Nottingham Playhouse’s banner, it embarks on a tour including Theatre Royal Plymouth and Leeds Playhouse from 7–11 April. This expansion broadens access to Graham’s powerful work for regional audiences.

Who Makes Up the Returning Creative Team?

The original creative team reunites to maintain the production’s high standards. Northern Arts Review detailed the lineup as follows:

• 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).
• Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG (The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Nottingham Playhouse; Call the Midwife, BBC).

This talented group ensures seamless continuity from previous runs.

How Does Punch Explore Restorative Justice?

At its core, Punch delves into restorative justice – a process where victims and offenders confront each other to foster healing. Jacob Dunne’s real-life account, as adapted by James Graham, illustrates this vividly. Post-prison, Dunne’s meetings with James Hodgkinson’s parents, Joan and David, catalysed his redemption, a theme that resonated nationally.

Northern Arts Review highlighted how the play’s original run prompted parliamentary discourse, positioning it as more than entertainment – a catalyst for societal reflection on crime, punishment, and forgiveness.

What Can Audiences Expect from the Leeds Run?

Running for just five nights from 7–11 April at Leeds Playhouse, this limited engagement offers a rare chance to witness Graham’s work up close. Expect a visceral exploration of impulsivity’s consequences, set against Nottingham’s gritty backdrop, elevated by dynamic staging and powerhouse performances.

Tickets are likely to sell swiftly, given the play’s pedigree. Leeds theatregoers can anticipate an evening that challenges preconceptions and celebrates human resilience.

Why Is James Graham’s Work So Influential?

James Graham, recipient of an Olivier Award for his contributions, excels at dramatising contemporary British stories. Punch fits seamlessly into his oeuvre, blending factual precision with emotional depth. Its success across venues from Nottingham to New York speaks to universal themes that transcend borders.

As Northern Arts Review’s coverage affirms, Graham’s script, paired with Penford’s direction, delivers unflinching honesty without sensationalism.

How Has Punch Resonated Beyond the Stage?

The play’s reach extends to policy circles. Discussions ignited by its 2024 premiere influenced restorative justice advocates, prompting parliamentary mentions. Dunne’s book Right from Wrong provides the factual backbone, ensuring the stage version remains grounded.

This cultural ripple effect exemplifies theatre’s power to drive change, a point echoed in Penford’s emphasis on integrity.