UK Pantomime Association: We have been made aware of productions of ”Aladdin” that employ racist stereotypes

The statement reads as follows: “The UK Pantomime Association and Panto Day are champions of pantomime and take seriously the need for innovation and progression in the sector, including the appropriate casting of performers from the global majority, and removal of racist stereotypes which have historically been depicted in pantomimes.

“We have been made aware of productions of Aladdin that employ racist stereotypes. There is no place for such casting, writing and directing in the pantomime industry today.

“The UK Pantomime Association will be holding the first of its annual Pantomime Symposiums in association with Staffordshire University in February 2023 and can confirm that there will be a panel addressing inclusivity, diversity and representation.”

It comes following wide-spread social media criticism of productions of Aladdin, including one show being performed at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool – which released a now-deleted video showing footage from their festive show.

ALL white cast in a production of Aladdin where the lyrics are “Come on down to our Oriental Town” in the diverse city of Liverpool @MandSBankArena This is diverse Britain! #Shameful https://t.co/64SOlvEQRZ

1 WEEK TO GO!

Join our hero Aladdin, his mother Widow Twankey and his brother Wishee Washee as they embark on a magical adventure and try to defeat the evil Abanazar and his plan to become master of the world.

Ticketshttps://t.co/vd7vY1SjWB pic.twitter.com/3wJeyH8XKz