Quentin Tarantino debut play to star Sacha Baron Cohen in London

Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino will bring his first theater production to London featuring actor Sacha Baron Cohen. The live stage comedy marks a new career direction for both Hollywood talents.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions announced the project on Sunday. The show is titled “The Popinjay Cavalier.”

The story takes place across 1830s Europe. Producers describe the work as “a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen.”

Quentin Tarantino will direct the production himself. This project marks the West End debut for Sacha Baron Cohen. The actor created the comedic characters Borat and Ali G.

“When the best director in the world calls, you don’t ask questions,” Baron Cohen said.

Previews begin Feb. 23 in London. The production officially opens March 18 at the Phoenix Theatre.

Tarantino gained fame for movies such as “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction” and “Inglourious Basterds.” He has not directed a feature film since 2019. That release was “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.”

He wrote a film sequel titled “The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth.” That movie arrives in November. David Fincher directs the film project. Brad Pitt returns as the former Hollywood stuntman.

Tarantino previously wrote a novel version of the 2019 movie. He also wrote a book for the sequel. Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins, will publish that book on Dec. 8.

West End productions frequently bring film directors to historic commercial theaters in central London. Creative teams rehearse for several weeks before ticketed preview performances begin. Cast members perform nightly ahead of the official opening date.

Tickets are planned for the upcoming London run. The project brings both artists together on stage for the first time.