IT was the heyday of Southampton theatre land but unlike its name, an expected drama suddenly broke out just off stage at the Gaiety.

Actor Frank Egerton relished playing the role of a rogue, persuading George Harrington that part of a deal for him to be appointed chairman of the Gaiety Theatre he would organise a party to hiss him on to the stage.

But it was Harrington who was to play the villain in an unscripted dramatic episode before curtain call one September night in 1882..

Why the pair fell out is unknown but it resulted in Egerton storming off and refusing to perform.

Minutes later, the pair encountered each other in the bar where Harrington accused him of being rude and using offensive language before delivering a knock out punch, threatening to kill him as he lay helpless on the floor.

The pair met again hours later at the town's police court where a penitent Harrington stood in the dock and admitted assault.

The presiding magistrate J H Cooksey suggested a happy ending.

"I'm sure an apology might suffice," he suggested.

Egerton said that was acceptable, provided Harrington issued a public apology and made a full retraction.

Harrington happily concurred and was bound over to keep the peace.

The pair then left court together.