George Devine

British theatrical manager

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June 25, 2026

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George Devine was a significant figure in British theatre, particularly in the mid-20th century. He was instrumental in establishing the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre in 1956, a pivotal move that championed new playwrights and promoted foreign drama. This initiative marked a turning point in British theatre, fostering a new wave of drama and introducing influential works and writers to the public. Devine's work contributed to the broader post-World War II effort to revitalize theatre and explore new artistic directions in response to a changing world.1

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Western theatre
Great Britain
…Ensemble at work in Germany, George Devine set up the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre in 1956 to encourage new playwrights and promote foreign drama. That year marked a turning point in British theatre, with Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (in his own translation) introducing the Theatre…
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…Ensemble at work in Germany, George Devine set up the English Stage Company at the Royal Court Theatre in 1956 to encourage new playwrights and promote foreign drama. That year marked a turning point in British theatre, with Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot (in his own translation) introducing the Theatre…
Read More