Quentin Tarantino’s THE POPINJAY CAVALIER to open at Phoenix Theatre starring Sacha Baron Cohen

It has been announced that The Popinjay Cavalier, a new swashbuckling comedy written and directed by Quentin Tarantino - the first play written by Tarantino for the stage - will star Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role.

The production begins previews at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End on 23 February, and is currently booking until 13 June.

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.”

Set in 1830s Europe, The Popinjay Cavalier is a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen. 

A sweeping celebration of theatre and its heightened romance, told with Tarantino’s signature style and unmistakable wit, The Popinjay Cavalier is inspired by the classic swashbuckler genre of old Hollywood, including the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr.

Also announced today is the creative team joining Tarantino; set and costume designer Tom Pye, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, sound designer Ian Dickinson, fight director Philip d’Orleans, action co-ordinator Sam Lyon-Behan, composer Tim Phillips, and casting director Jim Carnahan, CSA.

Full casting will be announced at a later date.

Tickets go on public sale from 12pm BST today (12 Oct), with further info here.