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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 63 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0117
Scope and Contents

This collection contains a large number of posters as well as business records including records of artist bookings, accounts, scrapbooks, contracts and correspondence.

Dates: 1865 - 1941

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1889

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.5
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Richard Geldard character comedian, Miss Florence Eugene, Messrs. Milton and Norris Pantomimists, musicians and acrobatic dancers, J.B. Sinclair English, Irish and Scotch descriptive and motto vocalist, The Clayton twins English, American and Dutch Character impersonators, The Comical Puzzle or, which is which of the two? Assisted by sisters Wood and Willis, Will Hoare novelty dancer, Mr Harry Carsdale mimic. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 18 November 1889

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.8
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Olympian Quintette American Humorists, Sweet Vocalists introducing Glees, Trios and Miscellaneous Song, Emilie Presto Serio-comic, Hornpipe and Scottish Dancer, Captain Austin Champion Rifle Shot of the World, Jim Henderson Vocal Comedian and Dancer, Burns and Leech Merry Whimsical Musical Pair, Mr Fred Howe Comedian, high Pedestal Acrobatic Blade Skate, Dancer and Variety Artiste, Messrs. Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and the Bros. Slocum, American...
Dates: 24 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 October 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.14
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Baldwin Cat Renowned Parachutist!, Miss Selina Seaford Operatic and Ballad Vocalist Will Tyrrell New Lion Comique, Miss Peggy Pond Mimic, Vocalist, Actress and Dancer, Messrs. Bickley and Barron Refined Musical Comedian, Duettists and Dancers Bob Martin ‘Silence and Fun’, Miss Florence Hayes Everybody’s Favourite Patriotic, Extempore and Serio-Comic Lady, T.H. Spears, Military Monarch Vocal Character and Descriptive, Vocalist, Mr. A.P. Boswell...
Dates: 13 October 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 September 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.29
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Olympian Quintette American, Humorists and Glee Singers, Miss Marion Bosanquet Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Walter Read Character Comic, Miss Leza Leoni Serio Comic Vocalist and Adroit Dancer Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and Brothers Slocum in "Return from Kansas City", Miss Belle Glen Serio and Dancer, Victor Vernon Eccentric Character Comedian, Andy Rhyn and Miss Marie Hanson Acrobatic Dancers, Mons. Le Clair ‘in His Refined Speciality, Introducing His...
Dates: 19 September 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.35
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Tom Bassett Impersonator, Miss Ruth Grovesnor Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Messrs. Ashford and Guinard Character Dilineators, Miss Nellie Oldene Serio-Comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Miss J. Matthews Lady Acrobatic and Talking Clown, Mr Austin Lenton Vocal Comedian and Burlesque Actor, Sisters Albert (Rose and Blanche) Duettists and Song and Dance, Artistes, Mr Frank Hayward Comic Vocalist and Descriptive Actor, Little Tony Midget...
Dates: 12 December 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.44
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Arthur Sullivan and Ethel Silvena in 'A Dutchman’s Courtship', Great American Speciality Stars Includes Songs, Dances and Quick Changes, Miss Vesta Sunshine Little Actress, Mr. F.A. Burnand Vocal Character Comedian, Sandy and Carl The Two Dromios, Miss Lizzie Payne Burlesque Actress and Dancer, Miss Alice Townsend Soprano and Burlesque Actress, The Three Volbecques Acrobatic Sketch Artistes, Miss Daisy Gertrude Serio Comic and Top-Boot Dancer, Bob...
Dates: 14 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.57
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hulines Musical Clowns, Mr Edward Crime Famous Basso, Vosper King of Necromancers and Mimics, The Lyric Glee Singers, Mssrs C. Aspinall, G. Raper, W.H. Atkinson and E. Grime, Miss May Irving Serio Comedienne, Brothers Douglas Risley Performers and Acrobats, Mr Jim Woods Comedian, Messrs. Ryan and Hall Chinese Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 31 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 July 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.61
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Frank Caffrey Irish Comedian and Dancer, Marie Olive Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, The Four Valladolis Acrobatic Tableaux Vivants, Miss Lizzie Chase Vocalist and Dancer, Fred Hastings Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Gaertner and Richards Sleigh Bell Act, Miss Margery Glen Serio Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Walter Kino Comic Actor Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 8 July 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.65
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Arthur Lennard Singer, Lizzie Fletcher Serio Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Bon-Bon and Artino Knockabout Gymnasts, Mr Will Evans (Late of Evans and Luxmore) Musical Eccentric Comedian and Acrobatic Dancer, Bessie Raine Descriptive Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Mr W.R. Sykes Descriptive and Actor Vocalist, Little Emily Juvenile Comedian, The Brantfords in 'Prof. Muddlehead'. Monday Next, Millie Hylton. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 18 November 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 February 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.66
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Bonhairs Acrobatical Experts. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 3 February 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.88
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: 29 January 1940

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, 29 January 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.121
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Garrisons Burlesque Artiste, Four M.P.’s Musical Palmers, The Kronemans Comedy Acrobats and Hand Balancers, Madden Wood Knockabout Comedians, Evelyn Taylor Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Daisy Palmer Comedienne, Vocalist and Dancer, The Edison Thomas Animated Photos Interesting and Military Pictures, The Donato One-Legged Grotesque and Cosmopolitan Athletic Clowns. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 29 January 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 February 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.131
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in Their Amusing and Laughter Provoking Kindergarten, The Bohemians Musical Comedy, Cora Casselli Italian Dancer, The Jetneys the Apollos of Darktown Aristocracy, Sisters Russell Duettists and Dancers, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Rose Conroy Serio Comedienne, M. Dell Conjuror and Illusionist, Lachie Thompson’s Top weights Musical Acts, Frantz Family-Lady and Gentlemen Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 17 February 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.261
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. G.H. Elliott, The Original Chocolate Coloured Coon, Geaiks and Geaiks Eccentrics etc., Emilie Hayes Vocalist, Manuel and Francois Acrobatic Eccentricities, Auber Musical Monarch, Cliff Barrett, the Great Dame Study Assisted by Netta Clark in 'Auntie’s Visit', Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Frank Varney and Sou Brette Mirth Manipulators. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 March 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 August 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.269
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Margaret Cooper Piano, May Sherrard Comedienne, Frank Powell Burlesque Patter Comedian, McGregot and Hood Comedians and Dancers, George D’Albert Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Mdle. Zampa Gymnast, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Oliver and Mack In Comedy Skit, 'Hanging a Gate'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 August 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.275
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Mozart, Twelvetrees Trio Musical Interlude, Les Bastiens Acrobatics and Comedy, Trevor West and Hinsby Two Boys and a Piano, Dan E. Doyle and Myra Eyton Comedy Couple, Ray Varle Ballad Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Harry Herbert Comedian. Blue and red type

Dates: 13 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.277
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. A Welsh Folk Playlet Entitled 'The Poacher' Played by the Hopkins Family, Haley’s Juveniles in a Beautiful Christmas Scena, Pasquali Brothers Tumblers and Equilibrists, Madge Bilton and Max Burlesque Comedy Couple, Harris Wright Tenor, Herbert Coonie Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Theo Moens Royal Belgian Court Entertainer. Blue and red type.

Dates: 27 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.285
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Weldon Burlesque Character Comedian, Phil and Phlora Acrobatic and Dancing Humoresque, Bert Terrell Dutch Comedian, Eileen Audrey Comedienne, Warnock-Wick Trio Irish Comedy Sketch, George Murphy Fun in a Billiard Room, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ackroyd Flautist and Rose Hardy Harpiste. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 April 1921

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  • Subject: Acrobats X

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