Quentin Tarantino confirms "swashbuckling" career-first project with Sacha Baron Cohen

Quentin Tarantino has taken on a brand-new challenge, promising his audience a "great night out". The legendary filmmaker has written his very first play, titled The Popinjay Cavalier, which he will also direct.

Set in 1830s Europe, the play has been described as a "rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise, inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen".

The show is said to be inspired by "the classic swashbuckler genre of old Hollywood" and will be a "sweeping celebration of theatre and its heightened romance, told with Tarantino's signature style and unmistakable wit".

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The comedy opens at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End, running from 18 March until 13 June 2027. Previews begin on 23 February and tickets are on sale now.

Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen stars in the titular role, with the full cast yet to be announced.

"Quentin called, I said yes before he even got to say his first 'motherf***er'," the actor recalled. "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."

Tarantino added: "I'm keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out."

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The Popinjay Cavalier will be produced by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions. Tom Rothman, Chairman and CEO Sony Pictures, and Sonia Friedman described it as a "a joy and an honour" to be working with "one of the great storytellers of our time".

"To see Quentin in action in a rehearsal room is extraordinary. His delight in working with actors, fencers, acrobats, musicians and our creative team is infectious, and there is such pleasure in hearing his delicious language come alive and discovering what his world can become on stage.

"And now we have Sacha Baron Cohen at the heart of it all: a fearless, brilliantly inventive actor with the wit, mischief and daring this role demands. We feel immensely fortunate to be producing this show. Audiences are in for a tremendous treat."

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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a "telly addict" since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information.