In 1913, a little over a year after its debut performance, Selbit’s cheese landed him in hot water (or perhaps fondue). The manager of Runcorn Palace music hall had booked The Mighty Cheese but withdrew the trick from the show, claiming that the audience response was bad and that Selbit not being there for the performances had caused him to lose money, and therefore he wouldn’t honor the contract. Selbit argued that the drop-off in bookings was caused by another aspect of the show and the contract had been clear that he wasn’t appearing himself. On that basis, he was awarded damages and costs. In the end, he got his cheddar.
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