The Queen of Comedy and Company moved into Topliffe’s Theatre. Her husband, Mr. W.H. Leighton took over managerial duties, appointed A.R. Phelps the sage manager, and G.L. Graves head of the promotion committee. A. Fischer was already the leader of the orchestra. The promotion committee worked with the manager on lining up benefits – a company would do a benefit for the firemen and let the firemen use the gathering as a recruitment tool – or let them keep part of the house – or if possible they would allow firemen to appear on stage as characters and the actors would incorporate firemen’s heroic deeds into the plays. This was the best way to pack a house and promote. Tapping into existing social networks.
