Obituary: Diana Devlin (1941 - 2020)

Guildhall School remembers Diana Devlin, who was appointed Head of Drama Studies at Guildhall School in 1993, teaching at the School until 2011. Diana wrote multiple books on theatre history and drama, and for over forty years she was closely associated with Shakespeare's Globe as Deputy Chair of the Globe Council.

Diana studied English at Cambridge University, and later received a Doctorate in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota. Her mother was a musician, her father a Shakespearean actor. Her grandmother was Sybil Thorndike, who was considered one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Her grandfather, Lewis Casson, was an eminent actor, director and manager. In 1982, Diana wrote his biography, A Speaking Part: Lewis Casson and the Theatre of his time. Theatrical heritage clearly ran through Diana’s bloodstream, giving her a passion for theatre. 

Diana began working with Shakespeare’s Globe in 1972, when she met the founder Sam Wanamaker. Sam asked Diana to run an ambitious summer school to complement the season of plays taking place on the site of the then unbuilt Globe Theatre. She worked closely with the Globe ever since, as an advisor, board member or teacher. Diana became Globe Administrator in 1985, holding the reins whilst a looming court case threatening the Globe site was resolved. She later chaired the Museum Committee, and was Deputy Chair of the Globe Council since 2013.

Teaching and theatre were Diana’s real passion, and in 1993, she was appointed Head of Drama Studies at Guildhall School, where she introduced academic credibility to the Drama department. Diana was pivotal in forming the BA and MA in Acting and the BA in Technical Theatre, joining the Drama department at the beginning of the process. Drawing on her wide experience and research, Diana gave students a vivid sense of their place in the rich heritage of world theatre.

Diana was a great teacher, with a wonderfully anarchic take on the history of theatre and was very popular with students and staff alike. She was pivotal in helping the School navigate the ways of academia, and part of her legacy is the Solo Performance, which she did so much to pioneer. She was also a donor to the School, and helped to promote opportunities for supporters to leave a legacy to Guildhall in their will.

In 2011, Diana retired from Guildhall, leaving herself free to pursue her passionate interest in the history of her grandfather’s family, writing a book tracing their story, as well as delivering regular talks about her grandfather's life and career. Diana continued to follow Guildhall students after her retirement, returning to watch third year shows and taking an interest in their careers.

In 2019, Diana wrote the biography of Sam Wanamaker, Sam Wanamaker: A Global Performer, to mark the centenary of his birth.

“Diana had a wonderfully anarchic passion for theatre, that she shared generously with students and colleagues.” Annemette Verspeak, Head of Voice, Guildhall School

“Diana was a lovely colleague and a wise, critical friend. She gave great context to our work and stood firm when she thought any of us were out of order. Amongst other things, we will miss her integrity, outspokenness and wicked sense of humour.” Martin Connor, Head of Acting Training, Guildhall School

“I first met Diana when I started working in the early 2000s at Guildhall. Diana was head of academic studies but when speaking to her she had a passion and knowledge that covered many disciplines. She had a wonderful energy and curiosity for the job of teaching. Her knowledge was outstanding and the combination of energy and expertise made her a wonderful teacher, problem solver and free thinker. She was a woman of many parts with a ferocious passion for the work and her students. She will be greatly missed as a teacher, thinker and colleague.” Danny McGrath, Programme Leader, BA Acting Studies, Guildhall School

“Diana worked for Guildhall with boundless energy, patience and enthusiasm, always seeing the good in everyone. And she was a vital part of a great team.” Kenneth Rea, Acting Tutor, Guildhall School

"I remember her as always being positive, intelligent (very!), interested in everything and, above all, courageous when she believed someone had been wronged. As a colleague, she was tactful and adroit in finding a way around some very difficult and knotty problems. She was hugely innovative in reconciling a largely practical course with the demands of academia. The Acting Course owes her a huge debt of gratitude. their careers." David Cox, former Drama Administrator, Guildhall School

Guildhall School alumni, staff and friends, please do send us your memories and condolence messages for Diana’s friends and family, which we will collate on the website to celebrate her life and the impact she had on many at the School. Please email alumni@gsmd.ac.uk with your message.