Tommy Carmichael In Conversation

Doncaster's Tommy Carmichael who trained at Bath School of Music and Performing Arts and who has a host of theatre credits is appearing in Aladdin at York Theatre Royal.

Who do you play in Aladdin and how do they fit into the story?

I play the role of Charlie, Aladdin’s younger brother, who’s always there to give his support with many laughs along the way.

Describe your character in three words.

Cheeky, Energetic, Excitable

What was the first pantomime you saw?

I truly can’t remember the first pantomime I saw because I was so young, but I know I loved the sparkle, the laughter and the colours. I was always taken to the panto every year, and I loved it every time.

Have you appeared in pantomime before? If so what roles?

I love doing panto and I’ve been doing it for about 10 years now - playing the comic, the villain and the dame across many of the different panto stories.

Best moment in past pantomimes? And worst moment?

The best moment I’ve had is complicated to explain, but all I will say is, it involved two eggs being separated – it was just a really silly joke, and I love that kind of humour. As for the worst, it’s a time when I was so ill whilst playing a villain that when I wasn’t on stage, I was in the loo… let’s just say, the show must go on!

If you weren’t playing Charlie, which other pantomime character would you like to play?

The villain, every time! I think the villain is one of the best characters in a panto. They get to be mean and ridiculous while being booed and yelled at. It’s such a great energy to on stage and it’s a role that people always remember and love to hate.

You’ve played a weasel, Cheshire Cat, Badger and Piggy (in Lord of the Flies) – any other animals you’d like to play?

I know it’s a little bit of a curveball, but I would love to play Gregor in Metamorphosis. He turns into a beetle, and I just think it’s a harrowing and sad story; definitely something I would love exploring as a performer.

Any hobbies when you’re not working?

I’m a big film-y. Watching films and TV series is my idea of a perfect evening. I just love seeing and hearing stories. I also collect musical theatre cast recordings and film soundtracks. Give me anything Sondheim on a cloudy day and I am immediately happier.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people know.

I am a huge fan of horror films, stories and games. Any horror or ghost stories in theatre is definitely my cup of tea. I also love nerding out playing Pokémon games.

Any York or Yorkshire connections?

I am Doncaster born and raised, and my dad was a coal miner so I do have a very deep Yorkshire connection. I used to love coming to York for day trips when I could, it’s a beautiful city.

Aladdin: York Theatre Royal, 3 December 2024 to 5 January 2025
Box office 01904 623568 | yorktheatreroyal.co.uk