Muslim panto dubbed 'Nigel Farage's worst nightmare' returns for Christmas season as 'Snow Brown' sells out

Previously shows have been sponsored by various charities, but this year for the first time Mr Afzal has fully funded the production independently.

While the show, describing itself on Instagram as "Nigel Farage’s worst nightmare" has proved popular across the country, selling out shows in Derby, Luton and London, it has been targeted by internet trolls.

Mr Afzal told The Mirror: "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. It's so nice to see families come to the show.

"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."

Lubnah Salah, who plays Snow Brown, said it was "heartwarming" to play the role, telling Channel 4: "We just want everyone to enjoy the fun. You don't have to be Muslim to come down and watch it."

Mr Azfal added: "Panto is a British institution, it's very important in British culture. It's something families go out to.

"It's my history, the upbringing I had with the conflicts of being British and Muslim at times when I was growing up. But I'm proud of both of those things.

"I'm proud of being British and I'm proud of being Pakistani, bringing that to the stage people like me are coming out and enjoying the show."

Mr Azfal has previously put on the shows Cinder'Aliyah and Beauty and the Balaah, which he said have been targeted by "right wing trolls."

The 36-year-old actor said: "The name Snow Brown actually came from a right wing troll. One of the comments was 'Cinder'Aliyah, what next, Snow Brown?' and I went 'Alright, yeah.'

"[I'm showing off to them] because of them. It was their inspiration.

"We've got to use it as fuel and inspiration to better ourselves and I've just enjoyed it."

The show also stars former Coronation Street actress Zoe Iqbal as the wicked stepmother and TikTok personality Daud Butt as her sidekick, Padh (the Punjabi word for fart).

Mr Azfal told the Mirror: "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."

One young audience member told Channel 4: "It makes me feel proud to be Pakistani and Muslim and British to have all those cultures combined."

Another added: "It's as twist to the typical panto but it's still a panto at heart with all the fun associated with it."

The production is raising money for charities including Donate Directly and Forgotten Women.

Mr Azfal said: "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."