Argyle Theatre of Varieties (c1868 - 1945)
Dates
- Existence: c1868 - 1945
Biography
The Argyle Music Hall in Birkenhead was opened in 1868 and staged many variety acts of the day.
The name was changed to The Prince Of Wales Theatre from 1876 to 1890, and was used mainly to stage plays. In 1890, the focus returned to music hall and variety and the theatre was renamed the Argyle Theatre.
Manager Denis J. Clarke ran the Argyle Theatre for 45 years from 1890 to 1935 developing the theatre to make it became one of the most well known theatres in the country playing host to many variety acts of the day.
As well as music hall and variety, the Argyle Theatre often had early film and also was the first theatre to have radio broadcasts.
During the Second World War, the theatre was bombed, taking a direct hit. It was never rebuilt.
Found in 358 Collections and/or Records:
Argyle Theatre Collection
This collection contains a large number of posters as well as business records including records of artist bookings, accounts, scrapbooks, contracts and correspondence.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 December 1939
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Harmonists Featuring Gladys Hay (Daughter of Will Hay), BBC Sound Impressionists, Navarre international Prince of Mimics, Holt and Maurice 'Good Company', 3 Aberdonians, Len Rostock, Edna Devonshire, Lorraine singing Cartoonist, Harold Walden Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1939
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carroll Levis Presents His Latest BBC Discoveries, Fourteen Big Acts Plus Variety Show. Red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red on yellow.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type on beige.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 January 1940
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack 'rumps'Doyle and his Aces of Rhythm with Joe Ferrie and Nino Monti in Hot Music, Hatton and Manners Comedians, Two Rascals Entertainers and a Piano, Jack Henry Whistling Comedian, Michael Moore Impressionist, Marie and Jose Anderson Dancers, Buddy Clarke with Mum and Dad Novelty, Fred Culpitt Conjuror, Gulliver and his 7 dwarfs Burlesque Comedians. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 January 1940
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Aces BBC and Recording Stars, Dominic Roche and Company in 'Home and Duty', Larry Kemble A Darned Nuisance, Wally Wood Comedian, Les Parisanas Musical Moments, Cawalini’s Dogs, The Young China Troupe Contortions and Acrobatics. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster, Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1940
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Judy Shirley The Star of 'Monday Night at Seven', Baker Dove and Allen International Club Men, The Reid Twins, The Valmar Trio from the Tower Circus, Blackpool, The McDonald and Maurice Twins, George Boyd Comedian, Don Carlos BBC Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 August 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 November 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 August 1898
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sampson the Strongest Man on Earth Challenges the World to Find His Equal Supported by a Gigantic Star Company. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1902
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, c1880 - 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Closure for redecoration. ‘Grand re-opening Bank holiday, 6th August with a Powerful Company Of Stars, New Scenery etc, etc. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 June 1892
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 March 1893
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 June 1893
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Charles Bignell, ‘The Dodger Up-to-Date Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1893
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sisters Philips and Brothers Lorenzi 'The Four Comical Cards!', Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1893
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mar Charles Bignell 'The Dodger Up-to-Date', Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Additional filters:
- Type
- Archival Object 353
- Digital Record 3
- Collection 2
- Subject
- Performers 351
- Music-halls 347
- Comedians 322
- Singing 272
- Dance 245
- Motion pictures 185
- Musical performances 114
- Musicians 68
- Acrobats 63
- Pantomime 42
- Animals 41
- Jugglers 36
- Magic 35
- War 35
- World War, 1914-1918 22
- Ventriloquists 20
- Male impersonators 18
- Boxing 16
- Clowning 14
- Business 13
- Gymnasts 13
- Circus 12
- Minstrel shows 10
- South African War, 1899-1902 9
- Female impersonators 8
- Wrestling 8
- Animal trainers 7
- Puppets 7
- Skating 7
- Contortionists 5
- Dwarfs (Persons) 5
- Strong men 5
- Aerialists 4
- Shooting 4
- Sideshows 4
- Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3
- Tableaux vivants 3
- Thin people 3
- Fire eating 2
- Pierrot 2
- Wild west 2
- Equestrians 1
- Fakirs 1
- Family 1
- Freak shows 1
- Menageries 1
- Mimes 1
- Music 1
- Optical illusions 1
- Showman 1
- Showwoman 1
- Stunt performers 1
- Travel 1
- World War, 1939-1945 1
- Zoos 1 + ∧ less