Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino is bringing his first-ever stage play, The Popinjay Cavalier, to London’s West End in early 2027. Actor Sacha Baron Cohen has been cast in the title role for the production, which will take over the Phoenix Theatre.
Previews for the upcoming production are scheduled to begin on February 23, 2027, with an official opening night set for March 18. The limited run is currently scheduled to book through June 13, 2027. Tickets officially went on sale following priority access, with standard ticket prices starting at £25, alongside more than 16,000 seats priced under £50.
What to Expect from The Popinjay Cavalier
Set in 1830s Europe, the production is billed as a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise. It draws direct inspiration from classic swashbuckling epics of stage and screen, as well as the historical writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda, and Jesse Lasky Jr.
Tarantino, 63, expressed clear enthusiasm about making his theatrical debut. He stated that he is keen with anticipation to give the West End a memorable night out. Meanwhile, Baron Cohen shared his characteristic humor regarding the collaboration:
Quentin called, I said yes before he even got to say his first ‘motherfx*xer.’ 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.
Production Team and Creative Lineup
The staging is presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions. Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, and Sonia Friedman issued a joint statement praising Tarantino’s hands-on approach in the rehearsal room.
- Director & Writer: Quentin Tarantino
- Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen
- Venue: Phoenix Theatre, London
- Scenic and Costume Design: Tom Pye
- Lighting Design: Natasha Chivers
- Sound Design: Ian Dickinson
- Fight Direction: Philip d’Orleans
- Action Coordination: Sam Lyon-Behan
- Music: Tim Phillips
- Casting Director: Jim Carnahan
Both Tarantino and Baron Cohen will be making their official West End debuts with the project. Further casting announcements for supporting roles are expected to be released at a later date.
Career Milestones for Tarantino and Baron Cohen
Quentin Tarantino has long discussed stepping away from filmmaking after completing his tenth feature film. Having directed acclaimed cinematic hits including Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, he revealed plans for The Popinjay Cavalier during a podcast appearance. He noted that writing the play took up a significant portion of his recent schedule.
Sacha Baron Cohen, 54, is internationally recognized for creating satirical characters such as Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, and Brüno Gehard. While he previously appeared on film in musical adaptations like Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, The Popinjay Cavalier marks his first leading role in a major theatrical stage production.
