No location for the show is given, so this appears to be a generic programme for use at multiple venues. The programme lists many of Devant’s tricks but does not mention any other performers. Devant’s performances at the Egyptian Hall are not mentioned, so the date will not be later than 1893.
Programmes & Handbills
The majority are for variety shows which include a magician. Most are from the UK covering the 1870s to the present day.
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Although not mentioned in the programme, it is actually for 5 December and 6 December 1892, at Balham Hall. At the time Devant lived in Balham.
The bill includes David Devant.
The bill includes David Devant.
According to Devant in his book ‘My Magic Life’ the sketch ‘The Enchanted Hive’, which is on this programme, was first introduced on 8 December 1902. If Devant was correct, this programme must therefore be dated 8 December 1902 or later. If so, the pencil date of 17 January 1900 on the programme’s cover must be incorrect. The bill includes David Devant.
The bill includes David Devant.
The bill includes David Devant.
The show had an unusually long run in Manchester. The bill includes David Devant.
Undated, but probably 1900-1901. The fact that the two magical sketches on the programme are ‘The Gnome’s Grot’ and ‘Mrs. Daffodil Downey’s Séance’ makes it likely that the programme belongs to this particular tour. The bill includes David Devant. This programme is in the Peter Lane Collection and is included on this website with his kind permission.
The year is not given but in 1869, when 29 November fell on a Monday, Woodin was at the Egyptian Hall. The probable date is therefore 1869. By this date Mr W.S. Woodin was well known for his excellent performances including his ‘Carpet Bag’ sketch.