Long before he pulled on the famous white suit, Martin Fenton was dancing for global superstars. Now 39, the Scottish-born performer who has shared stages with Rihanna, Jay-Z and Coldplay and appeared in the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic closing ceremonies has spent more than a decade playing one of the most beloved characters in British theatre: The Snowman (check our review: here).
But his journey to the Peacock Theatre is anything but traditional.
“I never for a moment thought about being a dancer,” he says - and he means it.
A gymnast who accidentally discovered dance
Fenton grew up in a small Ayrshire village with “little access to the arts” but endless access to sports. A self-confessed club-hopper, he joined “every sports club I could manage to squeeze in.”
His life changed when a perceptive PE teacher noticed he could flip and tumble without any training.
“I was 13 when my PE teacher suggested I try gymnastics,” he recalls. Before long, he needed a choreographer to design his floor routines. The choreographer agreed - on one condition: Martin would perform the piece in his dance school show.
“That was my first introduction to dance,” he says. He fell in love with it instantly and began training seriously at 17, turning down university offers to pursue a new dream.
Training across three cities - and three artistic worlds
Fenton went on to train in Glasgow, London and New York, studying everywhere from the English National Ballet School to Broadway Dance Center.
Because he started dance late, he felt he arrived without the “bad habits” long-time dancers often have.
“Each city shaped me in a different way,” he says. “I was able to adapt quickly because everything was new to me.”
Becoming The Snowman
Fenton first stepped into the role in 2012, aged 26. This year marks his 13th season (with one year off due to Covid), making him one of the production’s most enduring performers.
He grew up watching the film and listening to “Walking in the Air,” so when his agent suggested he audition, he didn’t hesitate.
“I grew up with the story,” he says simply. “I was happy to audition.”
The silent nature of the role is part of what he loves most.
“I love to dance, and telling the narrative through movement alone is really fun.”
The joys - and heat - of that famous costume
If audiences imagine performing in a Snowman suit is warm… they’re right.
“The hardest part of being The Snowman is definitely the costume,” Fenton laughs. “It’s heavy and gets very, very warm.”
He also reveals that “sometimes my nose falls off,” one of those small backstage mishaps that amuse the cast - and occasionally the audience.
The most unexpectedly fun part? “Hearing the kids laugh throughout the show.”
Stagecraft, stillness and a pre-show ritual
Before each performance, Fenton has a unique ritual.
“When I’m called to the stage, I lie on the floor in costume and take some time to breathe and relax,” he explains. The opening scene requires him to stand perfectly still for a long time, so arriving calm is essential.
Moments that melt the heart
Some of Fenton’s sweetest memories come from young audience members.
“Towards the end of the show, children often yell ‘goodbye Snowman’ as I leave the stage. It’s always very funny.”
Over the years he has met many VIPs, but one moment stands out: meeting Prince William, Princess Kate and Prince George.
“They were very sweet and loved the show so much they came back to watch it again a few years later.”
Forty years of ‘Walking in the Air’
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Aled Jones’s iconic recording, a milestone that gives the production added sparkle.
“I don’t feel pressure,” he says, “but I feel proud to reprise the role again.”
One scene still gives him goosebumps: the bedroom scene where the boy dresses the Snowman in his parents’ clothes as they sleep.
“It’s complicated, but the audience always enjoys it, and that makes it really fun to perform.”
The legacy of The Snowman - and the life beyond it
For Fenton, performing with a live orchestra every night remains a joy.
“The musicians are very talented,” he says. “It’s always a pleasure.”
Being part of a West End Christmas tradition for nearly three decades is something he cherishes deeply: “It makes me happy when people say they saw the show years ago and it was me on stage before I ever knew them.”
Beyond The Snowman, Fenton has enjoyed a long career - from TV work to worldwide tours - but says he has no sense of “unfinished business.”
“I feel very fulfilled,” he reflects. “I’m open to opportunities and enjoy working with friends I’ve collaborated with over the years.”
Life offstage: rest, pizza and Christmas Day at home
When the season ends, the first thing Fenton does is plan a holiday. “I need to get around to sorting that out,” he laughs.
The day after the final performance, his body demands one thing: rest.
As for Christmas?
With two shows on Christmas Eve and two on Boxing Day, Christmas Day is his one true day off - and he’ll be spending it “at home eating and relaxing.”
The cast also celebrates with Secret Santa and a backstage pizza party, a small tradition that brings big joy.
And what keeps the magic alive for him after 13 seasons?
“Hearing the children enjoying the show,” he says. “That’s what makes it magical.”
By Jenny Eagle