 Beginning in 1881, Cecil joined the company at the Royal Court Theatre.From 1883, he was co-manager, with John Clayton, of that theatre.There, he played in a number of farces by A. W. Pinero, including "The Rector", as Connor Hennessy; "The Magistrate" (1885), as Mr. Posket; "The Schoolmistress" (1886), as Vere Queckett; "Dandy Dick" (1887), as Blore, the butler; and in the title role of "The Cabinet Minister" (1890) He also appeared there in G. W. Godfrey's "The Millionaire", as Mr. Guyon, and created the role of Miles Henniker in Sydney Grundy's "Mamma" (1888).