ALISON BOSHOFF: Quentin Tarantino to bring ‘classic British trouser dropping’ farce to the West End
ALISON BOSHOFF: Quentin Tarantino to bring ‘classic British trouser dropping’ farce to the West End
Since last summer, when film director Quentin Tarantino announced his next endeavor would be a stage production in London, speculation has swirled about the nature of his upcoming project. Would it revolve around one of his iconic films, such as Reservoir Dogs or Kill Bill? Or could it be a bold musical reimagining of Pulp Fiction?
Tarantino’s latest venture is an original British farce, reminiscent of the slapstick humor and mistaken identities popularized by playwrights like Brian Rix and Ray Cooney. This comedic style, often characterized by door-slamming antics and dramatic trouser-dropping moments, will debut on the West End stage, with a likely opening in 2027. However, a late 2026 debut remains a possibility, according to insiders.
“He has written this himself. It is not based on any of his films. It is a farce, in the British, Noises Off tradition,” a well-informed source revealed.
The director is currently evaluating various theater options for the production, with rumors suggesting a scene featuring an actor suspended by a wire. Meanwhile, negotiations are underway to secure high-profile Hollywood stars for the cast. Notably, none of his usual collaborators—Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt—have a strong theatrical background, sparking curiosity about who might be chosen.
Tarantino, who resides in Israel with his wife Daniella Pick, has been spending time in London. He was recently spotted in the audience of High Noon at the West End. His decision to step away from directing The Adventures Of Cliff Booth for Netflix, a sequel to Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, marks his shift toward the stage. The film, starring Brad Pitt, is directed by David Fincher, while Tarantino focuses on his goal of directing exactly ten full-length films.
A recent Easter egg for fans of the 1995 Pride And Prejudice mini-series appears in the upcoming BBC drama The Other Bennet Sister. Lucy Briers, who portrayed Mary Bennet in the original series, returns as the character Mrs. Hill in this new adaptation. The story centers on Mary, a lesser-known figure from Austen’s novel, played by Ella Bruccoleri.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance at the Actor Awards on Sunday drew attention, but a notable omission was her husband Brad Falchuk’s birthday. Paltrow had previously expressed heartfelt gratitude for his support, writing, “Happy birthday to the best boyfriend/husband/friend I could ever hope for. Thank you for being my keel and the backbone of our family. I love you incredibly deeply forever.” This time, however, there was no mention of his special day.
Dakota Johnson’s artistic range is set to be tested as she collaborates with two of her generation’s most respected actresses—Jessie Buckley, an Oscar contender, and Saoirse Ronan, a four-time Academy Award nominee—in a prestigious arthouse project. This pairing is expected to resolve ongoing debates about whether Johnson is limited in her performances or simply has made strategic choices in her film roles.
Quentin Tarantino pictured at the ‘Leave One Day’ premier at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025
His next project, a play, will most likely come to the stage in 2027, although late 2026 is still a remote possibility (file image)
Dakota Johnson pic
