The festive season in Britain is witnessing a delightful and boundary-pushing theatrical phenomenon, as Muslim pantomime enjoys a triumphant surge in popularity. Spearheaded by comedian and actor Abdullah Afzal, famed for his role in BBC's Citizen Khan, the Muslim Panto group has returned with its latest smash hit, Snow Brown and her Seven Chachay.
A Desi Twist on a Classic Fairytale
Reimagining the classic Snow White story with a vibrant South Asian flavour, the production has become a runaway success. The show has already sold a remarkable over 24,000 tickets for its 38 performances across 11 cities, touring from London through the North until January 3. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first year Afzal has fully funded the production independently, moving beyond charitable sponsorship.
The nine-member cast brings the hilarious script to life. Lubna Saleh stars as Snow Brown, with Zoe Iqbal playing the wicked stepmother. Afzal himself takes on the role of one of the protective uncles (chachay), while TikTok personality Daud Butt provides side-splitting comedy as the sidekick named 'Padh'. The production is packed with cultural references, from traditional attire and a woven 'Manjee' bed as a prop to replacing the poisoned apple with a traditional Indian sweet, the laddu.
Creating a Halal, Family-Friendly Space
Abdullah Afzal's vision was clear: to create pure, relatable comedy for British South-Asian families. "I wanted the panto to be pure comedy with 'desi' jokes, so South-Asians could relate to it," he says. He emphasises the importance of representation, noting the powerful impact on young audience members who see a heroine who looks like them. The show is carefully crafted to be a halal and safe space for all ages, blending silly humour like fart jokes for the toddlers with clever cultural one-liners for the adults.
Beyond entertainment, the panto serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent. Many cast members have full-time jobs in sectors like the NHS, the Home Office, and local councils. The weekend performances allow them to showcase their artistic abilities without risking their livelihoods, offering an opportunity to those who may have been discouraged from pursuing acting professionally.
Overcoming Adversity to Find Success
The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Afzal revealed that his first show, Cinder'Aliyah in 2023, attracted significant racist abuse from right-wing critics. However, this negativity only spurred him on. "I have had criticism, but it comes with the job," he stated, adding that the positive reaction, including from the white community, has been overwhelming. His shift from TV acting to theatre production was a conscious choice to find roles aligning with his Muslim beliefs.
The success story continues to grow. Following Cinder'Aliyah and Beauty and the Balaah, Snow Brown has cemented the Muslim Panto's place in the UK's festive calendar. During intervals, money is raised for charities including Donate Directly and Forgotten Women. With Afzal already writing next year's more musical offering, the future looks bright for this innovative and inclusive slice of British theatre.
