Taking a whimsical approach to a classic fairytale, the Muslim panto group is back with Snow Brown and her Seven Chachay, which left people in utter stitches
It’s the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ when pantomimes are taking centre stage to entertain families during the festive season. But this year a new wave of quirky and delightfully odd productions are pushing the boundaries.
One of the most energetic and entertaining offerings comes from a Muslim panto group, based in Manchester who bring a whole new look to the traditional Christmas panto. Taking a whimsical approach to a classic fairytale, comedian and actor Abdullah Afzal – who starred in the BBC’s Citizen Khan and runs the Muslim Panto theatre – is presenting Snow Brown and her Seven Chachay (uncles).
The result is hilarious. There wasn’t a straight face in the room when I went to see it at the Nottingham High School’s theatre. The panto will be travelling through London and the North until January 3. It follows in the footsteps of his shows Cinder’Aliyah and Beauty and the Balaah.
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But this time Abdullah has turned the classic Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs upside down, by bringing a desi twist, with cultural one-liners and tongue-in-cheek humour, to suit the whole family. And the show clearly appeals to the mass market – as it’s already sold over 24,000 tickets for 38 performances in 11 cities. Previously, shows have been sponsored by charity, but this year for the first time Abdullah has fully funded the Muslim Panto independently.
The nine-member cast includes East-African actor Lubna Saleh, who plays Snow Brown, Zoe Iqbal, a mixed-race actress who plays the wicked stepmother, Abdullah as one of the protective uncles and TikTok personality Daud Butt as the wicked stepmother’s sidekick, Padh (fart).
Abdullah says: “I wanted the panto to be pure comedy with ‘desi’ jokes, so South-Asians could relate to it. We seem to be in limbo when it comes to identity, with being ourselves. But we can be proud British Muslims, we don’t have to be just one or the other. It gives me goosebumps when I see little girls in the meet and greet run up to Snow Brown and they look mesmerised because Snow Brown looks like her older sister, her mum or her aunt.”
Abdullah has kept the classic fairytale storyline, but has made sure British South-Asians are represented, by kitting the cast out in traditional attire, a Manjee – which is a South-Asian woven bed – is used as a prop. The show also stars a kebab lady and, instead of Snow Brown being poisoned by an apple, it’s a laddu – a traditional Indian sweet.
“It’s so nice to see families come to the show”, Abdullah says, “I wanted to create a safe space to cater for all ages, to keep the jokes and play as a whole halal, so it’s suitable for the whole family. I had a mother come up to me to say we had too many fart jokes in the show, but the two-year-olds in the audience are laughing their heads off. We want it to be silly and fun. It just works, it ticks all the boxes for families to enjoy together.
“These pantos are not just entertainment, they’re a great way to give a platform to rising actors. Some of our cast work full-time, they have jobs in the Home Office, NHS, the council – and without risking their livelihoods, this is a chance for them to step onto the stage to showcase their talents. This is one of the reasons our shows are on the weekends. We’ve got some people in the cast who’ve not had the chance to pursue a career in theatre, because maybe they’ve been told by family that acting isn’t a career, so this is giving them a space.”
Since starring in Citizen Khan, Abdullah has stepped away from TV acting to pursue a career in theatre production. Despite getting several offers for TV work, he failed to find a role that aligned with his Muslim beliefs.
Abdullah’s first show Cinder’Aliyah in 2023 saw tickets sell out in just 48 hours, but he says it attracted racist comments. The 36-year-old says it spurred him onto to create more shows. “I remember people got into fights in Bradford because they couldn’t get tickets for Cinder’Aliyah”, laughs Abdullah, “I have had criticism, but it comes with the job and the entertainment industry.
“I knew it was going to come with issues. I’ve had racist abuse from the right wing, they got annoyed with Cinder’Aliyah, but it’s imploded with this show. I remember reading a comment saying, ‘we had taken over’, But at the same time we’ve had a lot of positive reaction from the white community.”
Money raised during the intervals will go towards several charities including Donate Directly and Forgotten Women. Abdullah adds: “It’s special because our community comes together and helps the most vulnerable. I’ve started writing next year’s show and it’ll be more musical. I can’t wait, it’ll be really good. I’m recruiting for the cast next year.”
For more information visit The Muslim Panto Group.
