Sacha Baron Cohen will headline Quentin Tarantino’s debut stage play, The Popinjay Cavalier, when it opens at London’s West End Phoenix theatre on 18 March 2027.

The production marks the 63-year-old filmmaker’s first work written for the stage. Tarantino will also direct the show, which is set in 1830s Europe and billed as a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise. The story draws heavily from classic old Hollywood swashbuckler films.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions are backing the project. Producers Tom Rothman and Sonia Friedman said the collaboration feels like a natural fit for the venue. Tarantino told the press he is “keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out.” The team highlighted the director’s hands-on approach in rehearsal rooms and praised Baron Cohen as a fearless actor perfectly suited to the lead role.

Tickets go on sale on Monday. Priority access begins at 9am BST, with tickets starting at £25. More than 16,000 seats will cost under £50. General public sales open at 12pm.

The casting brings together two distinct entertainment careers. Baron Cohen, 54, built his fame on improv-heavy comedy personas including Ali G and Borat Sagdiyev. This marks his first leading role in a major stage production. Tarantino rose to prominence with his 1992 directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, and has since directed acclaimed films like Pulp Fiction and Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He has won two Academy Awards, two Baftas, and four Golden Globes.

Full casting for the supporting roles will be announced later.