An actor who once worked behind the scenes at a regional theatre is now performing under its spotlight. Zak Douglas, a former front-of-house staff member at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, is starring in the venue’s festive pantomime Sleeping Beauty, marking a remarkable full-circle moment in his career.
Douglas joined the theatre following the Covid-19 pandemic, starting in front-of-house roles before progressing to duty manager. Within a few years, he has moved from managing performances to becoming part of the cast.
Rising profile on television
Douglas’ appearance in the pantomime comes during a period of growing success on screen. He has recently been cast in Channel 5’s crime drama The Good Ship Murder and the ITV comedy series G’WED, helping establish him as an emerging talent in British television.
Despite his expanding acting career, Douglas said he never intended to sever his ties with the theatre where his professional journey took shape.
Returning to the theatre where it all began
The Wolverhampton Grand holds deep personal significance for Douglas. He said it was the first theatre he visited as a child, sitting in the audience long before he imagined stepping onto the stage.
“It’s amazing, especially as a local lad,” he said. “The first time I went to a theatre, it was this one. To be standing on that stage now is incredible.”
In Sleeping Beauty, Douglas plays Gerald the Herald, sharing the stage with experienced performers while remaining a familiar face to theatre staff.
Performing close to home
Douglas said working locally has been a rare experience in his career so far. Most of his professional acting work has taken him to cities such as Manchester and London, as well as international locations including Malta, Casablanca and Morocco.
“I’ve never worked in Wolverhampton before,” he said. “Now I’m rolling out of bed and five minutes down the road, I’m here.”
Inspiring Midlands performers
Douglas said a key reason for taking part in the pantomime was to show staff at the theatre and aspiring performers from the West Midlands that professional opportunities are achievable locally.
“This was the first place many of us saw acting,” he said. “I hope I’m the first of many to show there’s a way onto this stage.”
Colleagues say his journey has already had an impact. James Snow, who is managed by Douglas at the theatre, described his progress as inspiring.
“To see someone from Wolverhampton move into television and then onto this stage shows what’s possible,” he said.
Mentoring the next generation
Longtime colleague Darcy Biddulph-Smith, who has known Douglas for more than a decade, said his career challenges the idea that success in acting requires a London background or elite drama school training.
Alongside his theatre work, Douglas also serves as director of Wolverhampton’s Central Youth Theatre, where he mentors young performers. He said his management role allows him to offer honest insight into the realities of the acting industry.
Sleeping Beauty runs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until 4 January, continuing the festive pantomime tradition that remains vital to regional theatres.
