Under Devine's direction the English Stage Company remained primarily a writers' theatre, nurturing new talents such as Arnold Wesker, Ann Jellicoe, Edward Bond, Donald Howarth, Keith Johnstone, and many others. Devine's policy of taking on young directors as assistants produced some notable talents including William Gaskill, John Dexter, Lindsay Anderson, Anthony Page, and Peter Gill. Devine was also interested in continental drama. He staged several plays by Eugène Ionesco, including a celebrated production of "The Chairs", in which he appeared with Joan Plowright. He also greatly admired Samuel Beckett, several of whose plays were produced at the Royal Court, including "Endgame" in which Devine played Hamm.