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
Edmund Kean
Born Gray's Inn. Very successful Shakespearian actor. Led a hectic and debauched life. In 1822 bought Woodend House and land on the isle of Bute in Scotland. Died at home in Richmond, Surrey.
Alhambra Theatre
The image shows the old theatre, the Charing Cross Road facade and bottom, the Leicester Square facade, now the Odeon cinema.
Charles Coborn
Music hall entertainer and songwriter. Born Colin Whitton McCallum at 25 Sydney Square, Mile End. Best known for the songs 'Two Lovely Black Eyes' and 'The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo'. ...
Apollo Theatre
A Grade II listed building, designed by architect Lewin Sharp. It was the venue for the first British production of Harold Brighouse's very English comedy 'Hobson's Choice', which curiously had it...
Sir Charles Wyndham
born Charles Culverwell at Liverpool. Qualified as a doctor. Actor and manager.