Quentin Tarantino’s The Popinjay Cavalier announces West End plans and initial star casting

Though rumoured for a long time, plans have now been officially confirmed for famed screen director’s Quentin Tarantino’s stage-writing debut with The Popinjay Cavalier.

The new comedy opening at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End in 2027. Sacha Baron Cohen will star in the title role.

Written and directed by Tarantino, the production will begin previews on 23 February, ahead of an opening night on 18 March. It is booking until 13 June 2027.

Set in 1830s Europe, The Popinjay Cavalier is a comedy of deception and disguise inspired by swashbuckling epics of stage and screen. The production draws on the classic Hollywood swashbuckler genre, including the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr.

Succinctly put, Tarantino said: “I’m keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out.”

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, chairman and chief executive of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group, and producer 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.”

The creative team includes scenic and costume designer Tom Pye, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, sound designer Ian Dickinson, fight director Philip d’Orleans, action coordinator Sam Lyon-Behan, composer Tim Phillips and casting director Jim Carnahan. Further star casting will be announced in due course.

The Popinjay Cavalier is presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions. Tickets are priced from £25, with more than 16,000 tickets available for under £50 across the run. They go on sale today.