The Terribly Disappointing Mister Pummel returns to The Astor in 2026

It isn’t often that I dust down the loudhailer and give a walloping great holler about one of my own, but today is an exception. This is largely because the return of The Terribly Disappointing Mr Pummel to the Astor is in no small part thanks to the interest and support of so many who saw it the first time round. And in my book, that’s praise indeed.

It’s been a joy to reconnect with the original cast and to welcome Luke Jones, who brings more passion and knowledge of the dark art of directing than you can wave a wand at. That same spark of energy, combined with a shared desire to create something special, is already strong – and looks set to grow even brighter as performance night draws near.

So, here it is, then – our shameless piece of self-promotion. You have been warned.

When The Terribly Disappointing Mister Pummel was first staged at The Astor in 2019, it introduced audiences to a quiet exploration of memory, love and loss. On February 19th, 2026, it returns. This warm-hearted and emotionally charged play follows Samuel Pummel, a celebrated author and recluse, who unexpectedly meets the love of his life, Phoebe Boone, on an idyllic Greek beach. Two decades later, they are confronted with the prospect of parting. Balancing humour with poignancy, the story considers how relationships endure and change over time.

This new staging features Jimmy Dean and Caroline Emes reprising the roles of Sam Pummel and Phoebe Boone (Mrs). Having first taken on the characters in 2019, their performances were recognised for their subtlety, wit, and sense of truth. Now, together with director Luke Jones, they are building on that legacy.

Direction comes from Luke Jones, making his professional debut after more than twenty years of teaching and youth theatre production. Trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and St Mary’s College, he brings a wealth of experience of working with a wide range of performers and a gifted approach to staging. As for me, my wider work includes productions in London and New York, as well as an internationally broadcast radio drama. KNOCK KNOCK is recognised by the V&A National Video Archive of Performance, while my radio play SNARED was introduced by Virginia McKenna and endorsed by the Born Free Foundation.

There – wholly shameless self-promotion over. For now...