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Quentin Tarantino’s first-ever stage play, “The Popinjay Cavalier” starring Sacha Baron Cohen, will open at London’s Phoenix Theatre in March.
Written and directed by Tarantino, the play — described as a “swashbuckling
comedy” — will hold previews from Feb. 23, with opening night set for March 18. It’s set to run for three months, closing on June 13. Tickets will go on sale via the play’s website at 9 a.m. BST on Monday, starting at just £25.
“I’m keen with anticipation to give the West End a great night out,” Tarantino said in a statement.
Set in 1830s Europe, “The Popinjay Cavalier” is a “rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise inspired by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and screen,” as the play’s synopsis reads. “A sweeping celebration of theatre and its heightened romance, told with Tarantino’s signature style and unmistakable wit, ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’ is inspired by the classic swashbuckler genre of old Hollywood, including the writings of George Bruce, Ernst Vajda and Jesse Lasky Jr.”
Added Baron Cohen, whose casting was first revealed last month: “Quentin called, I said yes before he even got to say his first ‘motherf—er’. 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.”
Producers Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture group, and Sonia Friedman said it is a “joy and an honor to be developing this play with Quentin — and absolutely quite an adventure.”
They continued, “How lucky we are that one of the great storytellers of our time has chosen to make his theatrical debut. 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.”
The duo went on to say that Baron Cohen is 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.”
The creative team joining Tarantino includes scenic and costume designer Tom Pye, lighting designer Natasha Chivers, sound designer Ian Dickinson, fight director Philip d’Orleans and action coordinator Sam Lyon-Behan, with music by Tim Phillips and casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA.
Further casting will be announced at a later date.
