Sacha Baron Cohen to star in Quentin Tarantino's THE POPINJAY CAVALIER

Shehrazade Zafar-Arif 12 October, 2026, 12:30

After much speculation, plans have now officially confirmed for Quentin Tarantino's debut play, The Popinjay Cavalier, which will have its world premiere at the Phoenix Theatre in 2027, with Sacha Baron Cohen set to star.

The Popinjay Cavalier artwork by James Paterson

Written and directed by Tarantino, The Popinjay Cavalier is a swashbuckling comedy of deception and disguise set in 1830s Europe. While little has been revealed of the plot, it is said to be inspired by the classic Hollywood swashbuckler genre, including the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr.

American film-maker Quentin Tarantino is best known for films like Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, and has two Oscar wins under his belt. This will be his first foray into theatre, and he initially teased The Popinjay Cavalier during his podcast last summer.

Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for creating and playing comic characters including Ali G, Borat Sagdiyev and Brüno Gehard, will make his West End debut playing the title role. Baron Cohen expressed his excitement about working with Tarantino on the play, joking, "I am beyond delighted that we will be losing our West End virginity together, I have made him promise not to be gentle.”

Further casting will be announced in due course. The creative team includes scenic and costume designer Tom Pye, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, sound designer Ian Dickinson, fight director Philip d’Orleans, action coordinator Sam Lyon-Behan, composer Tim Phillips and casting director Jim Carnahan.

The Popinjay Cavalier will play at the Phoenix Theatre from 23 February to 13 June 2027, with an opening night on 18 March.

The Popinjay Cavalier Tickets