Award-winning filmmaker Quentin Tarantino will make his West End debut with his first stage play, ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’. Sacha Baron Cohen will star in the production.
The play will open at London’s Phoenix Theatre in March 2027. Previews will begin on February 23, with the official premiere scheduled for March 18.
‘The Popinjay Cavalier’ is described as a “swashbuckling comedy”. The story takes place in 1830s Europe.
It follows Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., who considers himself the world’s greatest actor. Rupert travels to Paris to perform for the famous Comédie-Française.
His journey soon takes an unexpected turn. After making some ill-advised comments about the French, Rupert finds himself in serious trouble.
His trip across the Channel becomes much more dangerous than he expected.
Inspired by adventure epics
Tarantino has written and directed ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’. The production draws inspiration from classic adventure films and romantic stage stories.
The play also pays tribute to Hollywood’s golden era. Its influences include the work of George Bruce, Ernest Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr.
The production promises Tarantino’s trademark wit and style. Audiences can also expect acrobatics, swordplay, daring stunts and deception.
The show will combine comedy with action and theatrical spectacle. A large cast will bring Tarantino’s story to the West End stage.
‘The Popinjay Cavalier’ will run at the Phoenix Theatre until June 13, 2027. Tickets are already available through the production’s official website.
Tarantino ‘keen with anticipation’
Tarantino is best known for films ‘Reservoir Dogs’, ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘Kill Bill’, ‘Inglorious Basterds’, and ‘Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood’.
Since his directorial debut in 1992 with Reservoir Dogs, Tarantino has gone on to win several accolades, including two Academy Awards, two BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes.
He has also bagged Emmy and Grammy nominations, according to The Guardian.
“I’m keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out,” Tarantino said in a statement by producers Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions on October 12.
A joy and an honour
Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, and Sonia Friedman also expressed their glee in working on the play with Tarantino.
“It is a joy and an honour to be developing this play with Quentin – and obviously quite an adventure.
“How lucky we are that one of the great storytellers of our time has chosen to make his theatrical debut,” they said in the statement.
“To see Quentin in action in a rehearsal room is extraordinary.
“His delight in working with actors, fencers, acrobats, musicians and our creative team is infectious, and there is such pleasure in hearing his delicious language come alive and discovering what his world can become on stage.”
Baron Cohen on working with Tarantino
Baron Cohen’s casting was first revealed by Variety in September.
The English actor and comedian is famous for his satirical characters Borat and Ali G.
He also starred in the 2012 black comedy film ‘The Dictator’ as General Aladeen.
“When the best director in the world calls, you don’t ask questions, I am beyond delighted that we will be losing our West End virginity together, I have made him promise not to be gentle,” said Baron Cohen.
The producers went on to add: “And now we have Sacha Baron Cohen at the heart of it all: a fearless, brilliantly inventive actor with the wit, mischief and daring this role demands.”
Full casting will be announced at a later date.
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