sentences:  An attempt to sell the theatre to Howard & Wyndham Ltd chaired by Michael Simons, and therefore clear the debts, failed and the Cruikshank family decided to run it themselves with A Stewart Cruikshank becoming managing director in June 1908.The building opened to audiences for the first time on 8 December 1906, with a festive production of "Cinderella" with Violet Englefield as the Prince and Phyllis Dare as Cinderella.The theatre began a successful career as a variety touring house with later visits from Carl Rosa Opera and Richard D'Oyly Carte's company.