LONDON: The Muslim Panto will return to stages across the UK during the coming festive season with a new touring production titled “Snow Brown and Her Seven Chachay” (uncles), which playfully reimagines the classic fairy tale story of Snow White.
The show, the proceeds of which will help support humanitarian efforts in Palestine, has been created by comedian and actor Abdullah Afzal, best known for his role as Amjad Malik in the BBC sitcom “Citizen Khan” from 2012-2016. He wrote, produced and will star in the panto, which he describes as offering “giggles, halal comedy and a fresh twist” on the traditional story.
Featuring a cast drawn entirely from ethnic minority backgrounds in North West England, including actors with origins in Yemen and Morocco, the production continues the Muslim Panto’s mission to make traditional British pantomime more inclusive and relatable.
Though pantomime has long been a staple of festive-season entertainment across the UK, the Muslim Panto has helped introduce the art form to many South Asian and Muslim audiences since its debut in 2017. Afzal was involved from the start before taking a more leading creative role as it grew.
Previous hits include “Cinder’aliyah” and “Beauty and the Balaah,” and the shows have been praised for blending slapstick humor and social commentary with cultural representation, creating a space where Muslim families can see their own experiences reflected on stage.
“This is more than just a panto, it’s a chance to come together, laugh together and give back together,” Afzal said. “We can’t wait to share ‘Snow Brown and Her Seven Chachay’ with audiences nationwide.”
Performances begin in late November and continue until January at venues across the UK. Visit muslimpantotickets.com for more details.
