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Argyle Theatre of Varieties (c1868 - 1945)

 Organisation

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, 21 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.45
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Mannons in their Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Sisters Spightley Duettists, Vocalists and Speciality Dancers, Mr. E. W. Selman Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Miss Mabel Comley the Sultan of Serios, Professor Howard American Illusionist and Thought Reader, Miss Nellie Oldene New York Star, Harry Stanley the Miniature Charles Godfrey, Mr Harry Dashwood Character Vocal Comedian, Miss Rosie Elliott Burlesque Actress and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates: 21 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.46
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: 28 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.47
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: 13 November 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 February 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.48
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alice Leamar Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Salmon Trick and Musical Bicycle Riders, Mr Dick Dunn Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Helen Vaneycken Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Renson and Waite Variety Artistes and Dancers, Miss Leza Leoni Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Mr Jos. Dixon Character Comedian and Dancer, Wal Pink Comedy Troupe in 'The Parrot'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 12 February 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.49
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Bellonini New Novel and Wonderful Entertainment Sensation of the Season, Miss Louise Ford Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Mt James Carson American Comedian and Soft Shoe Dancer, The Schallers (Arthur and Pam) Humorous Act, Singing, Dancing and Gymnastics, Rose Durran Serio Comic Vocalist and Champion Lady Dancer, Mr Frank Pirrung Foot Equilibrist, Mr John Ovenden Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, The Korries in Their Extremely Funny, Refined and...
Dates: 2 April 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.50
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The 6 Mannons in their Great Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Will Hebden Vocal Comedian, Mad’lle de Rose Lady Baritone, Mr Alf Rivers Comic, Miss Kitty Clare Serio Comic, Mr Jos Dixon Dutch Comedian and Top-boot Dancer, Miss Cissie Maurice Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Frank Caffrey Irish Comedian and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 30 April 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.51
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Grand Production, for six nights only, by the Mannons of their Original Pantomimic Burlesque Operetta entitled Logical Lodgers Written and Invented by Mr S.H.Mannon. A powerful company of variety artist will also appear. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 7 May 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 May 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.52
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Walter Munroe Irish Comedian and Dancer, Ada Blanchem Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and dancer, The Dennisons Eccentric Knockabout Pantomimists, Carrie Anderson Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Winona Aerial Rifle Act, Mr J.T. Daniels Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Yates and Emslie Operatic Vocalists, Sisters Wyatt Duettists and Dancers, The Pinellis Continental Eccentric Musical Grotesque Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 14 May 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 September 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.53
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr. G.W. Hunter 'The Mark Twain of the Music Halls', Edgar and Morgan Duettists and Dancers, Miss Lilly Burnand Popular London Star, The Korries in Their Cunning, refined and Clever Entertainment, 'Le Jardin de Musique', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Alf Asher Comedian and Dancer, Dan Idle Thinnest Man in the World, The O’Malleys Irish Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 24 September 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.54
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun! Twenty to Thirty Minutes of Perpetual Motion. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.55
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun!, Billy Seward Negro Comedian, Miss Edith St. Clair Serio Comedienne, Mr Arthur Albert Actor, Vocalist and Comedian, Miss Millie Varcoe Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr. J. Pheyey Eccentric Character Comedian, Mr Harry Maxam Eccentric Comedian and Expert Dancer, The Boundy and Glynn, Continental Troupe of Ladies Instrumentalists, Vocalists and Dancers. Monday next Evans and Luxmore. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.56
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Evans and Luxmore Musical Comedy Team, Miss Louie Cassatti Tyrolean Operatic Ballad Vocalist, The Boston Twins Comedians, Burlesque Boxers and Pantomimists, Miss Lily May Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Walter Rignold Comedian, The American sisters Duettists, vocalists and Dancers, Miss Lydia Dudley Vocalist and Dancer, Mr James Taylor Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and purple type.

Dates: 10 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 September 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.106
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Millie Hylton Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Engist and Orsa Merry Moments With Mirth and Music, Miss Daisy De Roy Burlesque Actress and Tyrolean Vocalist, J.P. Curlett “Ashcroft’s Double” Irish Comedian and Dancer, Ethel Lindon Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Dodd and Dudd in Original Sketch, "I Showed ‘Em, or The Professor’s Dilemma", Carl Ostend Female Impersonator, Katie Eplett Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, P. O’Brien Irish Comedian...
Dates: 21 September 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 October 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.108
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Prof. Duncan’s Marvellous Collie Dogs Exhibition of Animal Training, Mr Wilkie Bard Comedian and Delineator of Coster Songs, Nellie Straton Serio Comic Vocalist, Miss Lily Marney Irish Comedienne, Jesse Burton Baritone Vocalist, Mr Charles Raymond Comedian and One-Legged Dancer, Little Daisy Bard Child Vocalist and Actress, The Wal Pink Comedy Company in 'Leg Bail'. Monday next, The 8 Welshmen, Miss Lizzie Howard. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 19 October 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 November 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.109
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian, The Vitagraph: Living Pictures! Animated Photographs! To enable the Proprietors (Messrs. Chard and Co.) to give them a complete and perfect Exhibition of the Vitagraph, the same as produced by them in London, the Management have made special arrangements for the introduction of the Electric Light, Sarina The White Demon and Contortionist, Lillian Bishop Male Impersonator and Burlesque Actress, Quinton Gibson Female...
Dates: 9 November 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 May 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.110
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Farrell and Wilmott Irish Comedians, Mr J.P. Dane Comedian and Dancer, Miss Cora Duncan Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Dancer, Ernest Heathcote Eccentric Comedian and Acrobatic Dancer, Little May Beryl Child Contralto and Clever Dancer, Percy Cahill Character and escriptive Vocalist, Polly Plunkett Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Hartley Milburns’s Rosebuds Lady Dancers, Whit Week! Arthur Rigby, May Evans, Nellie Christie, Paul Langtry. Printed by S....
Dates: 31 May 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 June 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.111
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Jenny Valmore Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Little Tim Quaint Comedian, Sisters Wright Characteristic Duettists and Expert Dancers, De Cone The World’s Wizard, Sandy and Carl Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, George Willrod Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Eva Maynard Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Lieut. Walter Cole Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 14 June 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 July 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.112
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Leila Roze Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Brandon and Bishop Descriptive Character Duettists, The Sisters Terry Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Jennie Gabrielle Child Pianist and Vocalist, Blindfold Performance, Phil Weston Character Vocalist, Miss Blanche Gerard Versatile and Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer, Morney Cash Character and Eccentric Comedian, Edwin Boyde Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 5 July 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 August 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.113
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Will. H. Fox in his Burlesque Entitled 'Paddywhiski!', Flo Varley Burlesque Actress and Comedian, Francis and Melli Continental Musical Eccentrics, Lottie Walton Comedienne, Irving and Rousby’s Electrical Demonstrations!, Ethel Dove Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Kimberley Boys! Eccentric Comedians and Dancers, Geo. Watson Character and Descriptive Vocalist, Edwin Barwick Mimic. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue...
Dates: 16 August 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 August 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.114
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fratrelli Riccobono’s Horses, Leonard Barry Comic Singer, Musical Dale Campanologist and Concertina Soloist, Marie Le Blanc Character Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Olympian Quintette in their Plantation sketch 'Good Old Georgia', J.P Adderley Contralto Vocalist, Florrie Wood Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and Bros. Slocum in Glees and Plantation Songs, Mr G.W. Hunter Mark Twain of the Music Halls. Printed by S....
Dates: 30 August 1897

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Type
Archival Object 353
Collection 2
Digital Record 3
 
Subject
Acrobats 63
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 41
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3