Tarantino's Stage Debut
Quentin Tarantino, the Hollywood director behind films such as Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs, has written his first play for the stage. Titled The Popinjay Cavalier, it is set in 1830s Europe and will be directed by Tarantino himself. The production is scheduled to premiere in London's West End in March next year, with tickets going on sale from Monday. The full cast is expected to be announced at a later date.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6][S7]
Two companies are backing the production: Sony Pictures Entertainment, the studio behind Tarantino's latest movie Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, and Sonia Friedman Productions, whose credits include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Paddington the Musical. Tarantino disclosed his intention to write for the stage during the summer, appearing on the Church of Tarantino podcast, where he said the script was finished and that staging it could consume between eighteen months and two years of his life should it work out.[S1]
Baron Cohen's Role and Reaction
Taking the lead role is Sacha Baron Cohen, the actor famous for Borat. He described himself as more than thrilled to collaborate with Tarantino, remarking that when the finest filmmaker alive gets in touch, no questions are needed. Tarantino, whose honours include two Baftas and three Golden Globes plus nominations for three Oscars and six Emmys, said he was eager to provide London's West End with a memorable evening.[S1]
Production Details and Tarantino's Move
The Popinjay Cavalier opens at the Phoenix Theatre on 18 March 2027, with seats priced from £25. Tarantino, who is 63, shares a home in Tel Aviv with his wife Daniella Pick, who is Israeli, and their two children. Last year he indicated he would probably relocate to England and take his family along while the play was in production. His filmography numbers nine features, treating Kill Bill Volumes One and Two as one, and he has earned two screenwriting Oscars, for Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained.[S1]
Tarantino is likewise recognised for speaking his mind bluntly. Late last year he drew attention by aiming harsh words at the actor Paul Dano, and in March of this year he was involved in a public dispute with Rosanna Arquette, who appeared in Pulp Fiction, after she objected to the repeated use of the N-word in that 1994 release.[S1]
