Byron was a professional associate of Marie Wilton, who had recently taken over the management of one of London's smaller theatres, the Prince of Wales's. At his instigation "Society" was presented there on 11 November 1865. In a highly favourable notice the reviewer in "The Times" wrote, "The piece was vehemently applauded from beginning to end. Success could not be more unequivocal". "Society" ran for 26 weeks – 150 performances – a notable run for the time, establishing the fortunes of the theatre, as well as those of the author. It was revived several times during the next two decades, and was given nearly 500 performances under Wilton's (later the Bancrofts') management. Between the Liverpool and London openings, Robertson suffered the loss of his wife, who died on 14 August after months of ill health.