The play was Robertson's first major commercial success and was frequently revived throughout the Victorian era and beyond. Several silent films were made based on "David Garrick", including versions in 1913 (starring Seymour Hicks and Ellaline Terriss), 1914 and 1916. A 1923 book, "Public Speaking Today", recommends it for performance by high school students alongside "The Importance of Being Earnest" and "The Rivals". In 1922, the play was adapted as a comic opera by Reginald Somerville and played at the Queen's Theatre.