Nottingham Playhouse is celebrating after it was announced at midday today that the play it originally commissioned from acclaimed playwright James Graham, about the true-life story based on Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong has been nominated in the categories of Best Lighting Design for Robbie Butler, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Julie Hesmondhalgh, Best Actor for David Shields and for the coveted title of Best New Play.
Continuing its commitment to commission and stage work from local writers, Nottingham Playhouse launched the world premiere production of Punch at Nottingham Playhouse, originally sponsored by NTU, in May 2024 where it sold to record audiences. It was thrilled that the original production transferred first to the Young Vic and subsequently to the Apollo Theatre. A second production, also directed by Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director Adam Penford, opened on Broadway simultaneously something no new play had previously achieved.
Punch returns to Nottingham Playhouse from Friday 13 March until Saturday 4 April. It then transfers to Leeds Playhouse 7-11 April and Theatre Royal Plymouth 14-18 April 2026.
Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, Adam Penford, and Director of Punch said:
“We are thrilled to see Punch nominated for no less that four Olivier Awards. It is testament to the strength of James Graham’s writing, and to the generosity of Joan and David, James Hodgkinson’s parents, working with Jacob Dunne, alongside the many others who play a role in their story, to spread their message of hope.
“We are fortunate to have worked with a tremendous team of creatives and cast, and our producers in London, Kate Pakenham, Phyllida Lloyd, Mark Gordon, Eilene Davidson, in association with the Young Vic and Nimax. Everyone working on Punch recognises that the work happening off the stage is just as important as the work happening on stage and that’s a very special thing.”
Punch was also recently nominated in the Critics’ Circle Awards for Best Play, Best Actor for David Shields and Best Actress for Julie Hesmondhalgh. Chris Worrall CDG also won the Best Casting Director for a play for Punch in the Casting Director’s Guild Awards.
Punch in the West End was produced by KPPL Productions, Mark Gordon Pictures andEilene Davidson Productions, in association with the Young Vic and Nica Burns.
The Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre and are one of theatre’s most prestigious honours. Shows must be staged in a theatre represented by a Society of London Theatre (SOLT) member in the designated judging year.
Punch is dedicated to James Hodgkinson and all victims of one-punch.
Posted on 09 March 2026
