Once upon a time in a kingdom called Britain, there lived a Muslim family that wanted to put on the most magical pantomime ever: a fairy tale that families all over the kingdom could enjoy during the festive holiday season.

This year, following last years sold out mini tour, International Humanitarian Charity, Penny Appeal, is launching the first UK-wide tour of the first ever Muslim Pantomime titled “If the Shoe Fits” which aims to raise money for this year’s Winter Emergency appeal. The show will travel to 17 cities in 20 days, 30 performances in total, from November 30th – December 23rd.

The production which is directed and written by the theatre company Once Upon a Family which consists of five real-life family members who play main roles in the Panto, such as Dora the Explorer & Ruq the Orphan (doubling as the step sisters), plus Uncle Attab and mum, doubling as narrator. Along with the family there is Ego the baddie, played by Abdullah Afzal who starred as one of the main characters in the BBC TV series Citizen Khan.

The Once Upon a Family cast are also joined by the cast of the YouTube comedy series “ The Corner Shop”, which has generated over 4 million views, and stars Michael Truong (Panto Prince), Mistah Islah (Panto’s Father of Modern Medicine), and Inayat who plays the Great Humanitarian.

Aamer Naeem, CEO of Penny Appeal says; We are delighted to bring you the full UK tour of the world’s first Muslim Pantomime. We hope the shows will give families a chance to go out during the festive time of the year and enjoy a British tradition with a bit of a cultural twist but most importantly raise funds to support our Winter Emergency campaign to help those in need!

Dora the Explorer and Ruq the Orphan say: Cinderella sneaks out to parties and Jack breaks into the giant’s castle and steals golden eggs? We’ve come up with our own unique blend of fairy tale, full of Halal fun and will travel the land bringing joy to families big and small, old and young!

The show is in aid of Penny Appeal’s Winter Emergency, so we can provide essential support to communities that are suffering worldwide. With your support, Penny Appeal will be supporting tens of thousands of people with life-saving winter aid including warm food, clothing, blankets and shelter. We strive to reach the most vulnerable communities, supporting those that are most vulnerable during this harsh winter season, including women, children, the elderly and those with disabilities.

Click here to book your tickets now.

Tour dates

Wakefield

Friday 30th November 6.30pm - Mechanics Theatre, Wood Street, WF1 2EW.

Leicester

Saturday 1st December 6.30pm - Sue Townsend Theatre, 16 Upper Brown Street, LE1 5TE

Blackburn

Sunday 2nd December 6.30pm - Westholme School, Wilmar Lodge, Meins Road, BB2 6QU

Glasgow

Tuesday 4th December 6.30pm - The Mitchell Library, North Street - G3 7DN

Edinburgh

Wednesday 5th December 6.30pm - Pleasance Theatre, Pleasance Courtyard - EH8 9TL

Middlesbrough

Thursday 6th 6.30pm - Acklam Green Centre, Stainsby Road TS5 4JS

Leeds

Friday 7th December 6.30pm - Left Bank, Cardigan Rd, LS6 1LJ

Birmingham

Saturday 8th December 6.30pm - Repertory Theatre, Centenary Square, Broad Street B1 2EP

Birmingham

Sunday 9th December 12.30pm (Matinee) – Repertory Theatre Centenary Square, Broad Street B1 2EP

Sunday 9th December 6.30pm – Repertory Theatre Centenary Square, Broad Street B1 2EP

Walsall

Tuesday 11th December 6.30pm - Walsall Football Club, The Banks's Stadium, Bescot Crescent WS1 4SA

Coventry

Wednesday 12th December 6.30pm - Central Hall, Warwick Lane, CV1 2HA

Luton

Thursday 13th December 6.30pm - UK Centre for Carnival Arts, 3 St. Mary's Rd LU1 3JA

South London

Friday 14th December 2018 6.30pm – Chelsea Academy, Lots Road SW10 0AB

East London

Saturday 15th December 2018 12.30pm (Matinee) – The Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, E15 4BQ

East London

Saturday 15th December 2018 6.30pm -The Old Town Hall, 29 Broadway, E15 4BQ

London

Sunday 16th December 2018 12.30pm (Matinee) – One Park Crescent, 1 Park Crescent, WIB 1SH

Sunday 16th December 2018 6.30pm - One Park Crescent, 1 Park Crescent, W1B 1SH

Sheffield

Wednesday 19th December 2018 6.30pm - Sheffield University Drama Studio, Shearwood Road, S10 2TD

Manchester

Thursday 20th December 2018 6.30pm - Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Rd, M13 9RD

Manchester

Friday 21st December 2018 6.30pm – Royal Northern College of Music, 124 Oxford Rd M13 9RD.

Bradford

Saturday, 22nd December 2018 6.30pm - Kala Sangam, St Peter's House, BD1 4TY

Sunday, 23rd December 2018 6.30pm – Kala Sangam, St Peter House, BD1 4TY

Click here to book your tickets now.