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 353 Collections and/or Records:
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 1 August 1892
Birkenhead. Grand re-opening. The Killeno Family Male and Female Acrobats, Miss Myra Massey Double-voiced Vocalist, Captain Slingsby The Intercepted Letter, Mr Frank Seymour Eccentric Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Evalo and Roisso The Clown and the Turk, Mr J. Forde Irish Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Prof. Norton Royal Court Conjuror and Card King, Poole’s Minstrels. Green and red type on off white background. Printed by S. Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 10 November 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 24 March 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 28 August 1899
Birkenhead. Saker Harlow Trio! Continental Eccentrics, James Dubois, ‘Pongo’ the man monkey, gymnastic, entertainment, Letta and Minnie, Florence Chester Queen of African Coon and descriptive vocalist, Rose Conroy Serio-comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Gus Harris vocal character comedian, Lily Lever ballad and descriptive vocalist, Ryan and Hal L-pantomimic act. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 16 October 1899
Birkenhead. Tom Leamore comedian, The Four Vampires pantomimists, Major Doyle Lilliputian Comedian, Robert Gilbert’s marvellous troupe of acrobatic dogs, The Three Sisters Slater-song and dance, Jesse Burton baritone and descriptive vocalist, The Vitascope, The 2 Emeralds duettists and expert dancers, Lily Marney Irish Comedienne. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 23 October 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 30 October 1899
Argyle Theatre of Variety Poster, 7 November 1897
Argyle Theatre Scrapbooks, 1916 - 1940
Large scrapbooks containing newspaper cuttings and reviews related to the Argyle theatre.
Book of Charitable Programmes, 1902 - 1911
Book listing all the acts and programmes brought to assist local charities, containing loose printed and handwritten programmes, handbills and tickets related to the events.
Book of Letter Headed Paper, 4 March 1911 - 24 July 1912
Book of letter headed paper with carbon paper and copies of letters, 250p.p, 148 pages used.
Books of Bookings, 1868 - 1935
Books listing artists and acts bookings and payments.
Books of Programmes, 1869 - 1902
Books of handwritten and Printed programmes, listing artists and performances.
Books of Wages, 1865 - 1891
Books of wage payments.
Business Records, 1865 - 1940
Various items of business records including lists of artists, financial information, contracts and charitable events.
Contracts, 1909 - 1941
Contracts of employment dating from 1909 to 1940 but mainly 1941.
Correspondence, 1911 - 1912
Book of letter headed paper.
Financial Ledgers, 1866 - 1893
Books containing financial information on expenditure, payments and takings.
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- Acrobats 61
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- Animals 39
- Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2
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- Business 11
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- Comedians 319
- Contortionists 4
- Dance 242
- Dwarfs (Persons) 4
- Female impersonators 7
- Fire eating 1
- Gymnasts 12
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- Motion pictures 183
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- Pantomime 40
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- Pierrot 1
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- Singing 269
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- South African War, 1899-1902 8
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- Ventriloquists 18
- War 34
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- World War, 1914-1918 20
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