Blackburn’s Jaffer Hussain said he was ‘proud’ to be starring in his very first Panto.
‘Cinder’aliyah’ is aiming to raise funds for international charity Penny Appeal and has already sold out at venues across the UK. Almost 10,000 tickets have already been snapped up, and an additional 5000 tickets have gone on sale with additional shows added to existing venues.
Jaffer, who attended Beardwood High School and now works for the Lancashire BME network will feature in the cast as the king’s guard.
Cinder’aliyah is a take on the Cinderella story, but with a twist. It tells the story of a young Pakistani girl trapped by her wicked Stepmother and jealous Stepsisters Bushra and Shagufta. Meanwhile, the frivolous King and handsome Prince search the land for a mysterious woman who left her shoe behind at the ball.
Is it written, directed, and starring comedian and actor Abdullah Afzal, who is best known as playing Amjad in Citizen Khan.
Jaffer said: “I am incredibly proud to be starring in my first ever panto. I spent all of my childhood and most of life as an adult in awe of pantos and wanting to be in one. Thanks to Abdullah Afzal and Penny Appeal I’m now able to make that a reality.
“The cast and crew I’m working are incredibly talented and I’m very lucky to be a part of such an amazing experience bring the first ever Muslim panto to our communities.
“I’d encourage everyone to come out and support regardless of race or religion - this is a performance for the whole family filled with plenty of comedy, lots of action and some romance too!”
Abdullah Afzal, actor, director, and writer of Cinder’Aliyah said: ‘’As a proud British Actor of BBC fame, its amazing to be given such a warm welcome from the community who have made me who I am today. With nearly 10,000 tickets sold in 24 hours, I’m confident that the Muslim panto is here to stay with all the trimmings!”
Penny Appeal founder, Adeem Younis said: ‘’Tis the season for Muslims too, our sold-out panto has seen thousands of families across the country rush to get tickets for the world’s first and only Muslim panto, in aid of our life saving winter campaign, helping the most vulnerable worldwide.’’
This year’s panto is in aid of Penny Appeal’s Winter Emergency campaign.
The show comes to Blackburn on Friday 10 December at The Croston Theatre, Westholme School.
The full tour dates can be viewed here: pennyappeal.org/event/the-great-muslim-pantomime
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