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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 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, 14 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.129
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Signor Pepi Italy’s Greatest Quick Change Artist, Animated Photographs of Lord Roberts’ Return Produced by the B.B.and R. Royal Bioscope Company, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Egyptian Princess Cleopatra Serpent Enchantress, Emma Don Character Comedienne, Collins and Rice American Comedy Vocalist and Dancers, Barton Howard The Human Gramophone, Dora Lyric Burlesque Actress, R.W. Bentley Character Comedian, Boswell’s Novel Stage Circus with Educated...
Dates: 14 January 1901

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, 23 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.141
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morritt Magician, Farrell and Willmot Comedians and Dancers, Barton and Ashley American Comedy Duo, Will Hebden Character Comedian, Gwennie Hasto Dancer, Chas. Austin Comedian and Mimic, Liet. Travis Ventriloquist, Dick Geldard Comedian, The Mozondos Comedy Acrobats and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 July 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.151
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lind? From The Tivoli, London, Harry Grey The Australian Nugget, Haig and Novel Clever Acrobatic Comedy Act, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Billy Richardson The Black Orator, Mons. Delil Conjuror and Card Expert, Carlotta Mayson Characteristic Vocalist, Cora Gray Comedienne, The Bioscope, Brothers Lloddge Athletics and Silver Chain Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 July 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 September 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.155
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Valazzi Juggler and Equilibrist, Lily Marney The Spanish-Irish Girl, The Four Ramlos Acrobatic and Comedy Bar Performers, Minnie Cunningham Singer, Professor Bernar King of Marionettes, Barney Vox Ventriloquist, Lily Lonsdale Soprano Vocalist, Ernie Myers Dialect Comedian and Dancer, Sydney Lee Prince of Magic, Jimson’s Comedy Animal Act introducing his Latest Novelty, The Talking Pig. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red...
Dates: 19 September 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.158
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mark Sheridan Comedian, Marguerite Broadfoot Comedienne and Vocalist, Malcolm Scott Comic Philosophy, Albert Le Fre Comedian, Pantomimist and Dancer, Frazer and Mac in Rich Rare and Racy Gems of Thought, Victor Travers Burlesque Coon Comedian, Sisters Warner Acrobatic Dancers, Mack Olive The Clever Siffleur, Cissy Curlette Comedienne and Mimic, Bob Hutt Comedian, The Bioscope, The Mozondos Eccentric Acrobatics and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.170
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Primrose Quartette Vocalists, Baker and De Sales American Comedy Act, The Three Royal Temples Operatic Vocalists, E.R. Dainez and his Famous Animals, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Frank Leslie Vocal Comedian, Bros. Brasso Burlesque Acrobats and Comedy rampolines, De Lil Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Clever Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 29 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.172
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. James Mooney and Ida Holbein Songs and Acrobatic Dancing, Maide Scott Comedienne, Dusty Rhodes Comedy Merchant, George Collins Quaint Comedian, Lieut. Travis Ventriloquist, Ivy May Vocalist and Dancer, Talberto and Douglas Comedy, The Royal Bioscope, Ike and Will Scott Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 August 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.177
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Jessie Merriless-la Cigale, Moon and Morris Comedians and Dancers, Millie Howell Character Vocalist, Miss Teddy Edmunds’ Company Present "The Lady Jockey" a Sporting Farce, Nellie Farrell Irish Singer, Larry Lewis Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Violet Stockelle Comedienne and Dancer, Brothers Bradshaw Acrobatic Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 1 August 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 November 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.186
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jennie Johns Comedienne, Tom Jones The Whimsical Welshman, Brothers Redmond Acrobatic Comedians, Fred Earle Character Comedian, Stewart and Morgan Vocal Speciality, Tod Lowen Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Colin Mail Descriptive Vocalist, Minnie Leslie and Edgar Stevens Comedy Sketch. Saturday Dec 3rd 1910. Grand Benefit Matinee in Aid Of the Widow and Children of the Late John Lomax. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red...
Dates: 28 November 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 February 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.190
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. King and Benson Comedy Act, The Four Athos Acrobats and Ball Manipulators, Russell and Held American Singing and Dancing Act, Jock McNeil Scotch Comedian and Novelty Dancer, Henry J. Harper’s Clifton Banjo Party, Pop Dearly Coon Delineator, Cissie Lupino Character Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Tom Stuart Burlesque Impressions, Roze and Calvert Comedy Act, Special Cine Matinees Every Monday and Thursday. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 6 February 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.191
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 2 Bobs (Bob Adams and Bob Alden) American Entertainers, Julian Mack Assisted by Miss Nellie Booth The Dame in Topical Talk, Holden’s Original Mannikins Vaudeville Entertainment in Miniature, Ted Waite Comedian, Cestra Juggling and Acrobatic Waiter, Boden, Wilson and Boden Speciality Dancers, Maude Vera Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Morny Cash Lancashire Lad. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 10 April 1911

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  • Subject: Acrobats X

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Archival Object 61
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Aerialists 3
Animal trainers 4
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Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2
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