The Popinjay Cavalier

The Popinjay Cavalier in the West End

The Popinjay Cavalier is Quentin Tarantino’s first-ever play, a swashbuckling new comedy that he has both written and directed. Sacha Baron Cohen stars as Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr. The global premiere comes to London’s West End at the Phoenix Theatre in spring 2027, with previews from 23 February 2027 and opening night on 18 March 2027, as announced by the producers, produced by Sonia Friedman Productions in association with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

The story

Set in 1830s Europe, The Popinjay Cavalier is a rambunctious tale of deception and disguise. It follows Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., the world’s greatest actor, as he heads to Paris to perform for the illustrious Comédie-Française. But after a few ill-advised words about the French land him in hot water, Rupert the Magnificent’s triumphant trip across the Channel takes a decidedly more dangerous turn.

The play is inspired by the grand adventure epics and sparkling romances of stage and screen, including the work of Hollywood’s golden-age writers George Bruce, Ernest Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr. The producers promise Tarantino’s signature style and rapier wit in a sweeping celebration of theatre, complete with acrobatics, swordplay, daring deeds, dastardly acts and a cast whose virtues put the very saints to shame.

Cast

Sacha Baron Cohen plays the title role of Rupert Sebastian Thomas Jr., the Popinjay Cavalier. He is best known for creating Ali G, Borat and Brüno, and his film roles include Thénardier in Les Misérables and Adolfo Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. Further casting is to be announced.

Creative team

Quentin Tarantino, the Oscar-winning writer and director of Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained, makes his stage debut as writer and director. Set and costume design is by Tom Pye, lighting by Natasha Chivers and sound by Ian Dickinson. Philip d’Orleans is fight director, Sam Lyon-Behan is action co-ordinator, music is by Tim Phillips, and casting is by Jim Carnahan CSA. Jack Bradfield is associate director.

Dates and times

The Popinjay Cavalier begins previews at the Phoenix Theatre on 23 February 2027. Opening night, as announced by the producers, is 18 March 2027, and performances are currently scheduled until 13 June 2027. Performance times and the running time are to be announced by the producers.

Who is it for

The Popinjay Cavalier is a comedy for fans of Tarantino’s films, Sacha Baron Cohen’s fearless comic performances and old-fashioned swashbuckling adventure. Age guidance is to be announced by the producers.

Phoenix Theatre

The Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road is one of the West End’s most handsome playhouses. It opened in 1930 with the premiere of Noël Coward’s Private Lives, starring Coward himself.