He reappeared in London at the old Globe Theatre in July 1882 as Bedford Rowe in "The Vicar of Bray" and at the Comedy Theatre in October 1882 as Derrick Van Slous in "Rip Van Winkle". Continuing to rise to more important parts, Penley made a great success as Brother Pelican in "Falka" (1883), and in 1884 came what "The Times" called "his first triumph", as the Rev Robert Spalding in "The Private Secretary" at the Globe Theatre. He succeeded Herbert Beerbohm Tree in the role, and was famous for his portrayal of it for many years.