The Popinjay Cavalier
Phoenix Theatre
- Opens: Monday, 1 March 2027 -
Booking until: Sunday, 13 June 2027
The Popinjay Cavalier description
The Popinjay Cavalier is a new swashbuckling stage comedy written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, with Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role.
Set in 1830s Europe, the play is a comedy of deception and disguise built on the conventions of the classic swashbuckler. It looks back to the costume adventures of stage and screen, and in particular to the swashbuckling films of old Hollywood, naming the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr. among its influences. The company brings together actors, fencers, acrobats and musicians.
This is a new play and the first Tarantino has written for the theatre, marking his debut as a stage writer and director. It opens at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End, produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions, the company behind the West End runs of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and The Book of Mormon. The show is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.
Quentin Tarantino made his directing debut with Reservoir Dogs in 1992 and has twice won the Oscar for Best Screenplay, for Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained. His other films include Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds, The Hateful Eight and Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, and he has published two books, the novel Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Cinema Speculation. Set and costumes are by Tom Pye, lighting by Natasha Chivers, sound by Ian Dickinson and music by Tim Phillips. Philip d'Orleans is fight director, Sam Lyon-Behan action co-ordinator and Jack Bradfield associate director, with casting by Jim Carnahan.
Sacha Baron Cohen, a three-time Academy Award nominee, makes his West End debut in the title role. He is known for creating Ali G, Borat, Brüno and Admiral General Aladeen, and his films include Talladega Nights, Sweeney Todd, Hugo, Les Misérables and The Trial of the Chicago 7, which brought him an Oscar nomination for his performance as Abbie Hoffman. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm earned him a screenplay Oscar nomination and two Golden Globes. The rest of the cast is still to be announced.
Book now for The Popinjay Cavalier to see Tarantino's first work for the theatre, a period comedy of swords and disguises led by Sacha Baron Cohen.
Playing at Phoenix Theatre
Age restrictions
Ages 14+.
Important information
Contains threats and violence.