BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO
The lives of two American marines, an Iraqi translator and a Bengal tiger collide.
Rehearsal images have been released for the UK premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s Pulitzer and Tony-nominated surreal dark comedy Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo at the Young Vic Theatre. Directed by Omar Elerian it runs in the Main House from 2 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo stars Olivier and BAFTA award-winner David Threlfall (Hangmen, Shameless) as the Tiger, Olivier Award-nominee Arinzé Kene (Misty, Death of A Salesman) as American Marine Kev, Ammar Haj Ahmad (The Jungle, Macbeth) as Musa, Patrick Gibson (Dexter: Original Sin) as American Marine Tom, Sara Masry (Application 39, Cutting the Tightrope) as Hadia/Iraqi Teenager, Hala Omran (I Medea, Mute) as Iraqi Woman/Leper and Sayyid Aki (Community, Rule Britannia) as Uday/Iraqi Man.
When an atheist suddenly finds himself walking around after death, he has got some serious re-evaluating to do.
Iraq, well into the new millennium. A fast-talking Tiger haunts the streets, plagued by a fundamental question: “Why am I here?”. And he’s not the only one.
US forces have long since toppled Saddam Hussein, yet Baghdad remains aflame. In the chaos, the lives of American Marines Tom and Kev collide with Iraqi translator Musa after their chance encounters with the Tiger. Iraqi or American, man or beast, they are all searching for meaning, revenge, forgiveness, and a solid gold toilet seat that’s worth a fortune.
Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy received multiple Tony nominations and recognition as a Pulitzer Prize finalist after its Broadway run. Now this surreal and profound play comes to the Young Vic and is not to be missed.
Venue details
- Address:
- Young Vic
- 66 The Cut
- London
- SE1 8LZ