The makers of Snow Brown and the Seven Chachay are back with a side-splitting family show inspired by a classic tale, as charity partner Donate Directly brings giving right into the heart of the panto
This autumn, The Lion Sheikh arrives at venues across the UK, promising audiences an adventure packed with roars and laughter. Loosely based on The Lion King, the production reimagines a timeless story of bravery, family and doing what is right, all with a very Muslim Panto twist.
The hero of the tale is a young lion cub who is determined to show everyone that he can grow into a Sheikh as fearless, respected and admirable as his father.
Yet his path to becoming Sheikh proves far trickier than he expects.
Unknown to the cub, enemies are conspiring, rivals are watching closely and evil schemes are being carried out. As danger spreads and the land faces destruction, he must learn whether being a real leader is about proving his bravery, or about understanding the true meaning of courage.
Of course, this is Muslim Panto, so things are rarely that simple.
The show is bursting with outrageous characters, huge laughs, memorable music, stunning costumes, audience participation and family-friendly humour, served up with the trademark panto madness audiences adore.
WHERE ENTERTAINMENT MEETS GIVING
Continuing its tradition of pairing entertainment with generosity, Muslim Panto has named Donate Directly as the charity partner for The Lion Sheikh.
Donate Directly will carry out its regular fundraising across the tour, allowing audiences to enjoy an evening of great entertainment while supporting charitable causes.
The collaboration sums up the Muslim Panto spirit, in which bringing families and communities together sits comfortably alongside helping others.
So for every audience member, the experience is about more than laughs, costumes and great performances. It is also a way to do some good.
Entertainment gathers people together. Charity gives that gathering a purpose.
Using technology to power direct giving, Donate Directly will work with the production team to link the generosity of panto audiences with charitable causes.
A GROWING THEATRE PHENOMENON
Muslim Panto's reputation continues to grow as it brings British Muslim families to theatres with productions that are every bit as entertaining for audiences of all backgrounds.
Tens of thousands of people across the UK have attended its earlier shows, confirming a strong appetite for stories that reflect Muslim families while delivering the classic magic of pantomime.
With The Lion Sheikh, that journey continues through a story that pairs a familiar world with a distinctly Muslim twist.
A SHOW FOR ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS
Muslim families were very much in mind when the show was created, but The Lion Sheikh is intended for everyone.
It includes all the elements that make a panto great: a big story, larger-than-life characters, comedy, songs, audience participation and plenty of unexpected moments.
At its core, though, the show is a story about family, courage, leadership and finding the strength you already have.
The young lion may long to prove he can follow his father, but along the way he discovers that great leadership is about much more than being fearless.
At times, the bravest thing anyone can do is stand up for the people and values that matter to them.
...ENDS...
Notes to Editors
ABOUT THE PRODUCERS
Muslim Panto has a growing reputation for bringing British Muslim families into theatres, with productions designed to entertain audiences of all backgrounds equally.
Earlier shows have attracted tens of thousands of theatre-goers nationwide, confirming a strong appetite for stories reflecting Muslim families alongside the traditional magic of pantomime.
The Lion Sheikh continues this journey, pairing a familiar world with a distinctly Muslim twist.
THE LION SHEIKH
Opening night: Friday 30th October
Venue: Bristol Kings Oak Academy, BS15 4JT
Touring: UK
Suitable for: Families and audiences of all backgrounds
Tickets and tour dates:
MEDIA INFORMATION
For interviews, images and further details, contact:
Nazira Bemath
PR Consultant, Donate Directly
020 3355 8587
