Set design for The Boy David

In 1935 John was commissioned to provide the scenery and costumes for for J.M. Barrie's biblical play The Boy David, based on the story of David and Goliath. The play was performed at His Majesty's Theatre in London in December 1936 to enthusiastic audiences and reviews. The costumes had been taken over by Ernst Stern due to differences between John and Barrie, and John's principle contribution was the Israelite outpost of Act II, Scene ii: 'a dark and lowering sky, with immense rocks in the foreground, from which descended a slender waterfall'. (see M. Holroyd, Augustus John, II, London, 1975, p.144).