# James Graham: New Cast Announced for Punch Tour and Sherwood Season 3 Updates
**London, 6 February 2026** – The acclaimed British playwright and screenwriter James Graham continues his prolific streak in early 2026 with major announcements regarding his stage and television projects. Following the massive success of his Olivier Award-winning play *Dear England*, Graham is currently overseeing the return of his hard-hitting drama *Punch*, while production updates for the third series of the BBC crime drama *Sherwood* have also been confirmed.
## New Casting for Punch Regional Tour
Nottingham Playhouse has officially announced the brand-new cast for the upcoming return of *Punch*. The play, which explores the real-life story of a “one-punch” killing and the subsequent journey of restorative justice, originally premiered in 2024 to critical acclaim.
The production is scheduled to return to Nottingham from **13 March to 4 April 2026**. Following its run in Nottingham, the play will transfer to Leeds Playhouse and Theatre Royal Plymouth. This follows a successful previous trajectory that included runs at the Young Vic, the West End, and Broadway.
## Sherwood and Dear England Screen Adaptations
In the television sector, Graham remains a dominant force. The BBC has recently renewed the Nottinghamshire-set crime drama *Sherwood* for a third series. Cinematography updates indicate that the production is progressing, with the series listed as “coming soon.”
Furthermore, the BBC has released the first look at the television adaptation of *Dear England*. The four-part drama, written by Graham, is based on his play about Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the England national football team. The stage version continues to tour the UK, recently receiving praise for its runs at the Liverpool Empire and Norwich Theatre.
## Key Career Facts and Works
James Graham is widely recognised for his ability to dramatise contemporary British political and social history.
| Category | Details |
| :— | :— |
| **Born** | 8 July 1982 |
| **Notable Plays** | *Dear England*, *This House*, *Ink*, *Punch*, *Quiz* |
| **Notable TV/Film** | *Sherwood*, *Quiz*, *A Brilliant Young Mind*, *Brexit: The Uncivil War* |
| **Major Awards** | Olivier Award for Best New Play (2024 – *Dear England*) |
| **Honours** | Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature (Elected 2018) |
## Frequently Asked Questions
### What is James Graham’s most recent play?
While *Dear England* (2023) is his most recent major award-winner, his play *Punch* (2024) is currently making headlines due to its 2026 regional tour and new casting announcements.
### Is Sherwood returning for a third series?
Yes, the BBC has officially renewed *Sherwood* for Season 3. James Graham returns as the lead writer for the series, which continues to explore themes of community and justice in post-industrial Britain.
### What is the play Dear England about?
*Dear England* is a dramatisation of the England men’s football team under manager Gareth Southgate. It examines the pressures of national identity, the psychology of the penalty shootout, and the cultural shift within the squad.
### Has James Graham won an Olivier Award?
Yes, James Graham won the Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2024 for *Dear England*. He has been a frequent nominee and winner throughout his career for works such as *Labour of Love* and *This House*.