Final weeks for Rajiv Joseph’s surreal, dark comedy Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo in a new hit production directed by Omar Elerian. Must end 31 January.

The UK premiere of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo by Rajiv Joseph (Guards at the Taj), directed by Omar Elerian (Rhinoceros) enters its final weeks at the Young Vic Theatre with final performances on Saturday 31 January.

Rajiv Joseph’s Pulitzer and Tony-nominated surreal and profoundly dark comedy gained critical acclaim following its December opening as part of Artistic Director Nadia Fall’s inaugural season at the Young Vic.

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.

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.

Starring Olivier Award-nominee Arinzé Kene (Misty), Ammar Haj Ahmad (The Jungle), Patrick Gibson (Dexter:Original Sin), Peter Forbes (Follies), Sara Masry (Application 39), Hala Omran (I Medea) and Sayyid Aki (Community, Rule Britannia).

Patrick Gibson, Sara Masry, Ammar Haj Ahmad - BTATBZ - ©Helen Murray

Following its premiere on Broadway in 2011, the play received multiple Tony nominations and recognition as a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This new production is brought to life with Designer Rajha Shakiry, Lighting Designer Jackie Shemesh, Sound Designer Elena Peña, Movement Director Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, Casting Director Heather Basten CDG, Fight and Intimacy Directors Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown of RC-Annie, Dialect Coach Khaled Abunaama, Voice and Dialect Coach Hazel Holder, Costume Supervisor Male Arcucci, Hair & Make Up Supervisor Sarah-Jane Pucci, Props Supervisor Kate Margretts, Jerwood Assistant Director Layla Madanat, and Associate Designer Yimei Zhao.

Listings:

Young Vic presents Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo By Rajiv Joseph

Directed by Omar Elerian

Young Vic, Main House

2 December 2025 – 31 January 2026

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