James Danvers toured with Richard D’Oyly Carte’s Company in 1885 and 1886 as the Mikado (Emperor) of Japan in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado. He also took on the role of Pooh-Bah (Lord High of Everything Else) later during the tour.
James Danvers left D’Oyly Carte at the end of 1886. He went on to appear as Duke Hildebrand in The Royal Watchman, and took the title role in Count Tremolio, both in 1887.
James married Annie Dobbs, and together they had five children. Their third child was William Mikado Danvers, born in 1886, who became a successful comedian, singer and variety performer under the name Billy Danvers. Billy’s middle name came from the Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera.