Harris, Augustus (1852–1896)

British theatre manager, dramatist, and actor. He obtained a lease of Drury Lane Theatre, London, in 1879 and started producing big, spectacular melodramas and equally vast and spectacular pantomimes. He introduced music-hall performers into pantomime, bringing together the comedians Dan Leno and Herbert Campbell (1844–1904). He was knighted in 1891 in his capacity as sheriff of the city of London.

At one time he controlled four London theatres, including Drury Lane and Covent Garden, and many touring companies.