The theatre was again renovated in 1885, under the proprietorship of the actor-manager, David James. "The Era" thought that the refurbishments made it "one of the most convenient, handsome, and acceptable places of entertainment in London". James had bought adjoining premises in Holywell Street to make room for an extension to the theatre. The bars and circulation areas were, according to "The Era", much improved, a spacious smoking room was added, and new emergency exits were installed. In 1891, George Edwardes took on the management of the theatre and presented a burlesque of "Joan of Arc" by Adrian Ross, J. L. Shine and Frank Osmond Carr, with a cast including Arthur Roberts and Marion Hood. It was well received and ran from January to September. After that, the theatre reverted to its pattern of rapidly changing productions and short-lived managements.