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
Quentin Tarantino’s Theatrical Ambition
Speculation has swirled over the play’s content since Quentin Tarantino revealed last summer that his next endeavor would be a theatrical production in London. Could it be a stage adaptation of one of his iconic films, such as Reservoir Dogs or Kill Bill? Or perhaps a musical take on Pulp Fiction?
During a podcast in August, Tarantino shared minimal details, stating, “The play is written. It is absolutely the next thing I’m going to do. We’ll start the ball rolling on it in January… It’s probably going to take up a year and a half to two years of my life.”
“The play is written. It is absolutely the next thing I’m going to do. We’ll start the ball rolling on it in January… It’s probably going to take up a year and a half to two years of my life.”
Tarantino’s project is a classic British farce, reminiscent of the slapstick humor and chaotic misadventures found in works by Brian Rix or Ray Cooney. The comedy centers around door-slamming, trouser-dropping, and mistaken identities. Though it’s likely to debut in 2027, a late 2026 premiere remains a possibility.
My well-informed source confirms, “He has written this himself. It is not based on any of his films. It is a farce, in the British, Noises Off tradition.” Tarantino is currently exploring various theatre venues for its staging, with rumors suggesting a scene involving an actor descending via a wire.
Cast and Collaborations
Meanwhile, Tarantino is in talks with major Hollywood stars for the role. His usual collaborators, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, lack formal stage experience, making the casting choice intriguing.
Bradley Cooper, known for his theatrical work in The Elephant Man, could be a contender. Tarantino, who resides in Israel with his wife Daniella Pick, has been frequenting London’s theatre scene, recently attending a performance of High Noon in February.
Behind the Scenes
Tarantino recently stepped away from directing The Adventures Of Cliff Booth for Netflix, a sequel to his Once Upon A Time In Hollywood universe. Though he penned the script, David Fincher took the helm. This decision aligns with Tarantino’s plan to direct only ten feature-length films in his career.
He had also abandoned a film titled The Movie Critic, which was meant to be his final project. However, the farce remains his next priority, with no official choice yet made for his concluding work.
Easter Egg in the BBC Drama
For fans of the 1995 Pride And Prejudice mini-series, there’s a nostalgic surprise in the upcoming BBC drama The Other Bennet Sister. Lucy Briers, who portrayed Mary Bennet in the original series, returns as the overworked housemaid Mrs. Hill.
The Other Bennet Sister centers on Mary, a secondary character from Jane Austen’s novel, played by Call The Midwife and Bridgerton actress Ella Bruccoleri.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Omitted Birthday
Gwyneth Paltrow celebrated a memorable evening at the Actor Awards on Sunday, but her husband Brad Falchuk was notably absent. Last year, she had written, “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.”
Yet this year, there was no mention of Brad’s birthday, nor any acknowledgment of his role as her “keel.” Falchuk, the TV producer, is thriving with the success of Famous Last Words, a candid posthumous interview series that recently featured Eric Dane.
Dakota Johnson’s Potential Breakthrough
The debate over Dakota Johnson’s acting range is set to conclude as she collaborates with two of her generation’s most celebrated actresses—Academy Award nominee Jessie Buckley and four-time Oscar contender Saoirse Ronan—in a prestigious arthouse production.
Some critics argue she is a “limited” performer, citing roles in Madame Webb and the Fifty Shades trilogy. This new project, however, promises to test her versatility.
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).
Gwyneth Paltrow pictured in December with her husband Brad Falchuk at the premier of Marty Supreme in Los Angeles on December 8, 2025.