★★★★★
‘Another state-of-the-nation masterpiece from James Graham’  The Telegraph

Due to popular demand, March 2026 heralds the return of Punch to Nottingham Playhouse, following its remarkable simultaneous openings on Broadway and in the West End.  After its premiere in 2024, this powerful account of Jacob Dunne’s story sparked discussions everywhere, from theatres to courthouses and the House of Commons. Now it is back, with a brand new cast.  Olivier Award-winning writer James Graham (Dear England, This House, BBC’s Sherwood),  has brought  Jacob Dunne’s extraordinary true story to the stage in a gripping, high-energy and deeply moving production.

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.

Whilst Punch is inspired by a true story, some characters and events have been fictionalised for the purposes of the play.

 

Cast

Elan Butler
Raf, Sam Elan Butler
Matthew Flynn
David, Tony, Derek Matthew Flynn
Grace Hodgett Young
Clare, Nicola Grace Hodgett Young
Jack James Ryan
Jacob Jack James Ryan
Laura Tebbutt
Jacob's mum and Wendy Laura Tebbutt
Finty Williams
Joan, Nan Finty Williams

Production Photography

5 rating
The Telegraph
5 rating
The Times
5 rating
The Guardian
5 rating
WhatsOnStage

Punch 2026 Reviews

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.
5 rating
Theatre and Tonic
Your heart will break - such intelligent and empathetic performances from both Williams and Flynn
5 rating
East Midlands Theatre
Jack James Ryan is MESMERISING…you can’t look away as he SOARS on the stage
5 rating
The Notts Edit
The actors…bring such authenticity and sensitivity to this tale that you cannot help but be blown away by the impact
5 rating
Broken Legs Blog
Punch is back - and its as COMPELLING as ever British Theatre Guide
Jack James Ryan...quite simply phenomenal – raw and courageous The Notts Review
Finty Williams is an EMOTIONAL POWERHOUSE - Her pain is visceral, her anger righteous, and her journey towards forgiveness utterly shattering. LeftLion

In Rehearsals

BSL Flyer

Creatives

Director Adam Penford
Production Designer Anna Fleischle
Lighting Designer Robbie Butler
Sound Designer & Composer Alexandra Faye Braithwaite
Movement Director Leanne Pinder
Casting Director Christopher Worrall CDG
Voice & Dialect Coach Anita Gilbert
Associate Director Omar Khan
Associate Designer Tallulah Caskey
Associate Lighting Designer Charlotte Burton
Associate Sound Designer & Composer Matthew Tuckey
Associate Movement Director Hannah Fairclough
BSL Consultant Emily Howlett
BSL Interpreter Laura Goulden
Patricia Davenport Company Stage Manager
Deputy Stage Manager Amy Gelnar
Assistant Stage Manager Theo Corrance

First Day of Rehearsals

Rehearsal photography from 2026 production. Photos by Pamela Raith.

In conversation - James Graham and Jacob Dunne

Schools and Groups

Groups

Groups of 10 or more can save up to 20% on full price tickets.

Discount will be automatically applied on the ‘Checkout’ screen. Book up to 20 tickets online with the groups discount, discounts vary per performance and are subject to availability.

See the list of discounted performances on the Group Discounts Page.

Have a large group looking to attend? Please email tickets@nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk and a member of the team will be able to assist.

Schools

Show tickets for school pupils are £15.00 each (one teacher goes free with every 10 tickets purchased).  This price is available on the following performances:

  • Mon 23 Mar 6.30pm
  • Tue 24 Mar 10.15am
  • Tue 24 Mar 2.45pm

Find out more about School Visits here and book by calling Box Office on 0115 941 9419.

Punch Workshops

We will be offering a series of workshops for schools and groups to support their visit to see the show. Information about Punch workshops in 2026 can be found here.

Learning Guides

Self-Care Guide

Access

We provide British Sign Language Interpretation, Captioning, Chilled Performance, Relaxed Performance and Audio Description for this production.

Everyone is welcome to attend accessible performances, customers experience the full show including the accessible services.

Find out more about Access at Nottingham Playhouse here.

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