Although the idea of Quentin Tarantino – the film nerd’s film nerd – writing and directing a stage play initially seemed like a sort of mad joke, (for so ’tis named) really is happening. Indeed, it’s happening soon: previews begin in February for the West End comedy, which will move into the Phoenix Theatre soon after clears out.
And in even bigger news the star has officially been announced as Sacha Baron Cohen, in his professional stage debut: the news had leaked a month or so ago but it’s still pretty huge. Although details of the plot haven’t gotten significantly clearer since the last update we would assume that Cohen will be playing the title role.
There is also some clearer suggestion as to why Tarantino wanted to tell this story. We’re told the 1830s-set ‘is inspired by the classic swashbuckler genre of old Hollywood, including the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr’. While you have to think that his apparent mental block around directing a new movie (because he said his 10th film would be his last) may have stopped him doing this on screen, in 2026 it does feel like an idea that might work on stage than as a silent movie.
Like Tarantino, Cohen is nominally an outsider to the theatre industry, although he acted at university and studied clowning in Paris under the legendary Philippe Gaulier, plus of course much of his screen work is based upon live interactions with unsuspecting strangers. So you can imagine he’s going to be just fine. Quoth he: ‘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’.
What a thought. There is currently no additional casting announced but given how soon until the play starts its run you have to imagine it’s actually all done and dusted and will come out soon (meaning Baron Cohen is probably the only big name, not that we’re complaining). Tickets go on sale at noon on Monday October 12 – and do note that it’s having almost a month of previews (press night is Mar 18), suggesting either a highly technical show or first-time stage director Tarantino wanting to make sure he gets it just right.
Does Tarantino have theatre chops? We’ll finally know in less than six months.
The Popinjay Cavalier is at the Phoenix Theatre, booking Feb 23-Jun 13 2027. Tickets go on sale at noon, Oct 12.
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Rowan Atkinson is bringing Blackadder and Mr Bean to the stage.
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