Sacha Baron Cohen will star in the title role of The Popinjay Cavalier, a new swashbuckling stage comedy written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, it has been announced.
Produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions, the play marks Tarantino’s first work written specifically for the stage and will open at London’s Phoenix Theatre on 18 March 2027, following previews from 23 February.
Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting from £25 and more than 16,000 tickets available for under £50 across the run. The production is currently booking until 13 June 2027.
Set in 1830s Europe, The Popinjay Cavalier is described as a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen.
The production promises a sweeping celebration of theatre and heightened romance, blending Tarantino’s signature storytelling style with influences drawn from the classic Hollywood swashbuckler genre.
Quentin Tarantino said: “I’m keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out.”
Sacha Baron Cohen added: “Quentin called, I said yes before he even got to say his first ‘motherfxxxer’. 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.”
Tom Rothman and Sonia Friedman said: “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.
“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.
“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. We feel immensely fortunate to be producing this show. Audiences are in for a tremendous treat.”
Also joining the creative team are Tom Pye as Scenic and Costume Designer, Natasha Chivers as Lighting Designer, Ian Dickinson as Sound Designer, Philip d’Orleans as Fight Director, Sam Lyon-Behan as Action Co-ordinator, Tim Phillips as Composer and Jim Carnahan as Casting Director.
Further casting for The Popinjay Cavalier will be announced at a later date.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
