They drew straws to see which actor would perform in the matinée, and which would take the evening show. Phipps drew the evening show, which was attended that same evening by actor Charles Laughton. Laughton was impressed by Phipps' performance, and came backstage afterwards to ask Phipps to perform in Laughton's own play.
To determine who would perform during the matinee and who would take on the evening show, they drew straws. Phipps was given the evening show role, which Charles Laughton attended that same evening. Impressed by Phipps' performance, Laughton approached him backstage afterward to ask if he could participate in his own play.