Read on PBS NewsSnow Brown and Her Seven Uncles: How a Muslim Panto is Redefining British Holiday Tradition
A groundbreaking pantomime production, "Snow Brown and Her Seven Uncles," is selling out theaters across the UK by blending the classic British holiday tradition with Muslim culture and humor. Created by Abdullah Afzal, this innovative retelling of Snow White offers representation and joy to Muslim audiences while welcoming all to experience its unique blend of satire, family comedy, and cultural celebration. The show has sparked conversations about identity, representation, and the unifying power of festive theater in modern Britain.
As the festive season envelops the United Kingdom, theaters traditionally come alive with the raucous, glitter-filled spectacle of pantomime. This year, however, one production is breaking new ground and selling out venues by reimagining this quintessentially British tradition through a fresh cultural lens. "Snow Brown and Her Seven Uncles" (or "Chachay" in Urdu) represents a significant evolution in the art form, seamlessly weaving Muslim culture, humor, and identity into the familiar fabric of fairy tales, slapstick, and audience participation. This innovative show is not just entertainment; it's a vibrant statement about modern British identity and the inclusive potential of cultural traditions.
The Fusion of Tradition and Modern Identity
At its heart, pantomime is a British institution—a seasonal staple where families gather for comedy derived from fairy tales, complete with music, exaggerated characters, and direct engagement with the audience. Creator and actor Abdullah Afzal recognized this tradition's deep cultural roots but saw an opportunity to expand its narrative scope. Drawing from his own experiences growing up as both British and Muslim, Afzal has crafted a production that proudly celebrates this dual heritage. As he explained in a PBS NewsHour report, the show emerges from "the conflicts between being a British and Muslim at the time when I was growing up" but transforms those experiences into a source of pride and shared joy on stage.
Representation and Audience Impact
The power of "Snow Brown and Her Seven Uncles" lies significantly in its representation. For many in the audience, this marks the first time they see themselves reflected in a mainstream British holiday tradition. Actor Lubna Saleh shared a poignant moment from the show's run, describing how young girls approached her saying, "I love your hijab, oh, my God, you look like me, I have your name." This visibility matters profoundly, offering validation and a sense of belonging that extends beyond the theater walls. Importantly, as the cast emphasizes, the show is designed for universal enjoyment. "You don't have to be Muslim to come and watch it," notes Saleh, highlighting the production's inclusive appeal.
Navigating Culture and Satire
True to pantomime's tradition of satire and topical humor, "Snow Brown" does not shy away from contemporary issues. The production has found itself part of broader cultural conversations, even drawing attention from online critics. In a clever twist, Afzal transformed criticism into creative fuel. The show's title itself, "Snow Brown," was inspired by a comment from a right-wing online troll. Rather than retreating, Afzal embraced the suggestion, demonstrating how satire and resilience can turn negativity into artistic inspiration. This approach reflects a confident, joyful assertion of identity that meets modern challenges with humor rather than confrontation.
A Unifying Festive Force
From Glasgow to Notting Hill, the production's success—with over 24,000 tickets sold across 11 cities—speaks to its resonant message. Audience members from various backgrounds have praised how the show combines cultural specificity with universal panto spirit. One theatergoer noted it "makes me feel proud to be Pakistani and Muslim and British and have all those cultures kind of combined," while another affirmed it's "still a panto at heart with all the fun associated with it." Even the classic panto elements receive a cultural twist, as with the entrance of the "Kebab Queen," a character that playfully celebrates a shared culinary love and sparks post-show cravings across the audience.
In a social landscape that often emphasizes division, "Snow Brown and Her Seven Uncles" offers a compelling counter-narrative. It proves that cultural traditions can evolve, expand, and include without losing their essential character. The stage, as this production demonstrates, can indeed be "big enough for everyone," providing that simple but powerful magic of seeing oneself—and others—celebrated center stage during the festive season. This Muslim panto is more than a holiday show; it's a vibrant contribution to the ongoing story of British culture, identity, and shared joy.
