UK: School alters festive pantomime to omit Christmas references in consideration of Muslim sensitivities

Image: Jihad Watch

A headteacher at a village school has ignited controversy by requesting the removal of all Christmas references from a traditional pantomime being performed for young pupils.  

Parents have criticized the decision, arguing that excluding any mention of the Christian celebration to make the event "inclusive" disregards their traditions.  

The headteacher of Wherwell Primary School in Andover, Hampshire, sent a letter to the parents of 126 children, informing them that the school’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk would omit Christmas references.  

Following backlash, headteacher Mandy Ovenden issued a second letter explaining the rationale. She clarified that since the pantomime is not a Christmas-specific event, it should be accessible to all students, including those whose families typically withdraw them from Christmas celebrations for religious reasons.  

The letter stated: “Discussions with the panto company revealed that Christmas songs were part of the performance. We have several families who either do not celebrate Christmas or observe it differently. Their children are usually excluded from such events at the request of their parents.  

“As this is a pantomime and not a Christmas event, we’ve requested changes to make it enjoyable for everyone. We want all our pupils to participate, so we’ve removed Christmas songs to ensure the event is fully inclusive.  

“Our usual Christmas activities will continue throughout the term as planned.”  

Chaplins, the company behind the performance, entertains over half a million schoolchildren annually with its five-actor shows. A spokesperson confirmed that while their performances typically include Christmas elements, they complied with Wherwell Primary School’s request to exclude them.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)