E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
John Audley.
Is John Audley there? Get done as soon as possible, for there are persons sufficient for another audience. John Audley was a noted showman and actor; when his platform was full, he taught the ticket collector to poke his head behind the green curtain, and cry out: “Is John Audley there?” This was a signal to the actors to draw their piece to a close, and clear the house as quickly as possible. Audley taught this trick to Richardson.
