The Pantoland Diaries: An Interview with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs star Tommy Carmichael (York)

Welcome to a new interview series called..The Pantoland Diaries, where over next coming months we chat to the stars of pantomimes playing across the country this panto season, next up we speak to Tommy Carmichael playing muddles - in York Theatre Royals 2026/27 panto - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Tommy returns to York after appearing in the theatres production of the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty and Aladdin while also appearing in Lord of the Flies (Greenwich Theatre), The Jungle Book (National Tour) plus more...

In your own words, how would you describe York Royal Theatre’s take on Snow White?

Fun and wacky, bright and colourful, and exactly what you need this Christmas!

This is the first time that Snow White has been performed at York Royal Theatre, how does it feel to be part of the first-ever staging of this classic pantomime?

I am unbelievably excited to be a part of this milestone. Although this isn’t the first time I have performed in Snow White, I truly feel like this one is going to be a momentous occasion for the York Theatre Royal.

If your character went on a walk and got stuck in another fairytale, which one would you want it to be?

Well, as many people know, my character crops up in every pantomime but not always in every fairytale, so I think it would be Chicken Licken. So I can tell the little guy that it was just an acorn that landed on his head and save all those unsuspecting birds. Also, I imagine Muddles would have a lot of fun tricking the fox!

If you could look into the York Theatre Royal’s Magic Mirror and see your ultimate, dream theatre role looking back at you, with absolutely no limits, who are you playing and why?

I would love to be able to play the Emcee in Cabaret. The depth of that character, the humour, and darkness are all things I’d love to explore and play with every performance.

Pantomimes are often the start of someone's experience of theatre, how important is it in your opinion to keep the panto tradition alive?

It is unbelievably important to keep the tradition alive for that very reason. It most certainly is the first time many people go to the theatre (young and old alike) and what better way to show what a magical and beautiful a place the theatre is than with pantomime. This doesn’t mean that the format and the stories can’t change and grow, but the tradition of having a show at the end of the year that the whole family can go to, laugh out loud together, and celebrate the good in the world, who wouldn’t want that.

With the panto performance schedule being quite demanding with sometimes 2-3 shows a day, how do you keep yourself well (vocally and physically) throughout the busy performance schedule?

Vocal and physical warm-ups are integral, but also resting at any moment you can when you leave the theatre, drinking plenty of water (hydration is key!), vitamin C (and vitamin D, you’re inside an awful lot!). I also have a drink I use made up of honey, lemon, hot water and a botanical ginger drink to help my voice relax.

Pantomimes always deliver on modern and current references including songs. Can you give us a hint or a taste on what this pantomime includes this year?

I can’t give you much detail, but let’s just say, there’s newbies, golden oldies, and everything in between. And, if you’re a fan of a certain singer from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond, you are going to be in for a brilliant time!

Can you share a favourite festive memory or tradition with us?

My favourite tradition at Christmas was my mum giving me and my sister a stocking full of silly things. However, since I couldn’t make it home often at Christmas because of panto, she sent me enough money to give each cast member £5 so they can all get me a little gift for a stocking. And the best thing was, if the cast member didn’t manage to get me something, they can give me a fiver!

What makes Snow White the ultimate festive treat this year?

It has everything you want in a panto! It’s bright. It’s colourful. It’s upbeat. And above all, it’s fun! Also, for the people of York, it’s something the York Theatre Royal has never done before!

How would you describe the show in one sentence or 3 words?

High energy, side-splitting and a whale of a good time!

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You can catch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at York Theatre Royal from the 4th of December: https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/snow-white-and-the-seven-dwarfs/