Sacha Baron Cohen and Tarantino team up for West End play

Sacha Baron Cohen is set to star in Quentin Tarantino’s first-ever stage play, The Popinjay Cavalier, which will premiere in London’s West End on 18 March 2027 ^[1]. The production, set in 1830s Europe, is described as a 'rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise' inspired by classic swashbuckling epics ^[2]. Tarantino, 63, is directing the play and has called it his next major project after completing nine feature films. He confirmed on the Church of Tarantino podcast that the script was already written and that he is preparing for a potential tour.

Baron Cohen, 54, known for creating Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev, and Brüno Gehard, said he said yes to Tarantino without hesitation: 'When the best director in the world calls, you don’t ask questions' ^[1]. He added he’s 'beyond delighted' and joked that Tarantino promised not to be gentle ^[2]. This will be Baron Cohen’s first major stage role, though he trained with French clown Philippe Gaulier.

The play will open at the Phoenix Theatre, with tickets going on sale from 9am BST on Monday, starting at £25 ^[2]. More than 16,000 tickets are priced under £50. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions are co-producing, with Tom Rothman and Sonia Friedman praising the 'infectious' energy of Tarantino’s rehearsal process.

Tarantino, who won two Oscars for Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, has said he plans to retire after his 10th film, according to ^[1]. He counts Kill Bill Volumes One and Two as one film for this tally. His upcoming film, a sequel to Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, is set for release in November, directed by David Fincher ^[3].

The full cast has not yet been announced ^[1]. Tarantino has also said he may move to England with his family during the play’s development. The story was first reported by BBC News and The Guardian.