Born 4 Boston Terrace, Holloway, as David Wighton. His stage name was taken from the title of a painting ‘David devant Goliath’ (David before Goliath), and was first used, aged 17. Married his, no doubt beautiful, assistant in about 1888. Had a long and successful partnership with Maskelyne who had been one of his early inspirations. 1905 – 1915 they performed at St George’s Hall, next door to the Queen’s Hall. One of the first to recognise the potential of the Lumières’ 1896 demonstration in London of moving pictures. First president of the Magic Circle in 1905. Appeared in the first royal command variety performance in 1912. Died at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Putney, from a progressive palsy which had caused him to retire from public performing in 1919.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
David Devant
Commemorated ati
David Devant
David Devant, 1868 - 1941, magician, lived here in flat no. 1. English Heritage
Other Subjects
National Theatre Foundation
From the National Theatre website: "The Royal National Theatre Foundation may be able to assist employees, former employees or others who work or have worked at the National Theatre who are sufferi...
Shakespeare Reading Society
Active in 1909 with Beerbohm Tree as President. 2018: Via Facebook Roger W. Haworth wrote to say that this organisation is active, with Judi Dench as President. We are pleased to hear that and sor...
Kings Theatre Hammersmith
Designed by W.G.R. Sprague, it was a variety theatre and playhouse. One of the earliest theatres in which all members of the audience had a clear view of the stage. In the 1950s and early 1960s it ...
Unity Theatre
Unity Theatre grew out of the Workers' Theatre Movement, agitprop street theatre, in the East End of London in the early 1930's. Initially based in St Judes Hall, Britannia Street, NW1 (which we ...
Ashley Dukes
Playwright, critic and theatre manager. Founded the Mercury Theatre. Husband of Dame Marie Rambert.
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