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 of Varieties Poster, 10 August 1931
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carr Lynn Mimetic Comedian, Monica and Pat Daly, Helen Binnie Comedienne, Terri and June Music and Dancing, Raby and Dell in Mirth and Melody, The Argyle Orchestra Under the Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Kathleen Caldecott English Concertina Playing, Mdlle. Al-Wright Presents Her Comedy Circus, Pathe’s Super News Gazette. Black and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 September 1931
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rupert Hazell and Elsie Day in 'Harmonylarity', Max Hoffman Comedian, Frank Tully. Black Face Comedian and Jack and Lyle Jeffries Ritz Sisters, Jean and Leslie Juvenile International Speciality Dancers, Maise Hopwood Comedienne Dancer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Finch and Babs Comedy Knockabout and Acrobatic Dancing. Black and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 November 1931
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Grunden and Hec. McLennan, The Song Crackers, Frank Wilson, a Band in Himself, Jo Sisters and Jon Musical and Dancing Act, Barry Barnes Comedian, Pepino with His Comedy Burlesque Circus, Ben Said, The Funjorer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Mitchel and Peru Comedians. Black and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 December 1934
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Music Mirth and Melody for our 66th Birthday, Jenny Howard Revue Comedienne with Percy King, Cecil Lyle Illusionist, Tommy Trainor Clever Comedian, Clara Kenton Violinist, Tom Merry Merseyside Dock Poet, Pat McKay Irish Dancer, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Universal News Topics of the Day, Reg. and Ronny Dale, Two Argyle stars in Modern Harmony. Black and blue type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 April 1898
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Eugene Stratton, the originator of a quaint Style of Negro comedy, song and dance, Emmie Ames serio comic vocalist, The Fothergills farcical absurdities, The Six Ramoneurs Vienesse Lady vocalists and dancers, Lord George Ayton comedian, Ernestine Fromme dancer, Walter King Character comedian, Bella and Bijou singers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 June 1933
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Critchton Boys and Beryl Evetts a Novelty, Singers, Dancers and Instrumentalists, A.J. Powers Burlesque Scots Comedian, Mitchell and Peru comedy acrobats, Holson and Bert dancing comedians, Daly Sisters and Marr, Casa and Nova crazy dancers, Hal Miller vocal jester, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Ware and Ryan, new comedy team. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Black and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1902
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1905
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Astley’s American Circus, Lily Marney character comedienne, Jack and Evelyn song and dance, Lilian Lowe ballad and descriptive vocalist, E.J. Sheldon comedian whislter and dancer, Brothers Adderley duettists and mimics, Arthur Gilbert character comedian, Manning’s Entertainers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Noni and Partner French clown, Reg Bolton Comedian, Miss Ellis Drake and Company in New Scotch Playlet 'Oh Mother', Dolly Victorian and Assistant trick cyclist, Thornley Dodge skits, songs and sketches, Dainty Doris Comedienne, Sisters Fraser vocalists and dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Susie Marney comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.
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