The Young Vic has announced full casting for the European premiere of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, written by Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony-nominated playwright Rajiv Joseph.
Joining the previously announced David Threlfall, Arinzé Kene, Ammar Haj Ahmad and Hala Omran are Patrick Gibson, Sofia Asir and Sayyid Aki.
Patrick Gibson, known for Dexter: Original Sin and Clyde’s at Donmar Warehouse, will play American Marine Tom. Sofia Asir (two Palestinians go dogging, A Land without Jasmine) takes on the role of Hadia/Iraqi Teenager, while Sayyid Aki (Community, Rule Britannia) plays Uday/Iraqi Man.
David Threlfall (Hangmen, Shameless) stars as the Tiger, with Arinzé Kene (Misty, Death of a Salesman) as Kev, Ammar Haj Ahmad (The Jungle, Macbeth) as Musa, and Hala Omran (I Medea, Mute) as Iraqi Woman/Leper.
Directed by Omar Elerian (Rhinoceros), Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo runs in the Young Vic’s Main House from 2 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, with press night on 9 December.
First cast images featuring David Threlfall, Arinzé Kene and Ammar Haj Ahmad have also been released.
Set in post-invasion Baghdad, the play follows a fast-talking Tiger who haunts the streets, asking the existential question: “Why am I here?”
As US forces grapple with the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s fall, the lives of Marines Tom and Kev intersect with Iraqi translator Musa and the Tiger, all searching for meaning, redemption, and a solid gold toilet seat.
The creative team includes Designer Rajha Shakiry, Lighting Designer Jackie Shemesh, Sound Designer Elena Peña, Movement Director Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, Casting Director Heather Basten CDG, Dialect Coach Khaled Abunaama, Voice and Dialect Coach Hazel Holder, Costume Supervisor Male Arcucci, Props Supervisor Kate Margretts, Jerwood Assistant Director Layla Madanat, and Associate Designer Yimei Zhao.
Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is the third production in Nadia Fall’s inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Young Vic, following Entertaining Mr Sloane and Ohio.
Upcoming productions at the Young Vic include Museum of Austerity, Broken Glass, CARE, and Sting by Sophie Swithinbank.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
