Sacha Baron Cohen to lead Tarantino’s London stage debut

When Tarantino’s debut play, The Popinjay Cavalier, arrives at the Phoenix Theatre in the West End in March 2027, Baron Cohen will take the lead. Tarantino is both the writer and director, with Sonia Friedman Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment serving as producers.¹²³

A West End premiere

The production is scheduled to have its global premiere at the Phoenix Theatre in spring 2027. The Guardian reported that the opening date is 18 March 2027, while the theatre’s listing describes the opening more broadly as taking place in spring. The play is set in Europe during the 1830s.¹³

According to the Phoenix Theatre’s description, Baron Cohen plays Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., presented as the world’s greatest actor. The character travels to Paris to perform for the Comédie-Française. Further casting is due to be announced later, according to The Guardian.¹³

Tarantino’s theatrical debut

The Popinjay Cavalier is Tarantino’s first-ever play, according to the Phoenix Theatre. According to The Guardian, Tarantino revealed his intention to mount a play in 2025; this one takes inspiration from vintage Hollywood adventure films and work by Bruce, Vajda and Lasky Jr.¹³

Tarantino said he was “keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out”. He added that he expected the production to succeed. He said that a failure would bring his involvement to a swift end.¹

Baron Cohen’s role

Baron Cohen said he was “beyond delighted” to be working on the production. The Guardian said Baron Cohen has never before led a large-scale theatre production and studied under French clown instructor Philippe Gaulier.¹²

The Phoenix Theatre says producers cannot guarantee the appearance of a particular artist because of illness, injury or statutory holiday entitlement. Its listing also identifies performances in March, April and June 2027 when Baron Cohen is not scheduled to appear, although the specific dates are not included in the dossier.³

Tickets and production

The Guardian reported that tickets would first be offered to priority-access subscribers before going on public sale. Prices begin at £25, and more than 16,000 tickets across the run are priced below £50, according to the newspaper.¹

The play’s producers are Sonia Friedman Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment. The announcement brings a film director and an actor associated with screen comedy together for a new London theatre production.¹³