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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, 18 May 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.223
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Lancashire Comedian, Frederick Sylvester and Company, World’s Smallest Acrobats, The New Macs Knockabout Comedians, Patterers and Dancers, Rita Rhylle Dainty Comedian, Arthur Young Vocal Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope The Curse of War, Sam Kelly Scotch Comedian, The Kirbys Versatile Comedy and Burlesque Team. Blue and red type.

Dates: 18 May 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 September 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.229
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn, The Harmony Four Musical Comedy, Alick Lauder Scottish Character Comedian, Lily Leonhard Soprano Vocalist, Harold Baker Comedian, The Vedras Comic Acrobats, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, George D’Albert Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 September 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 September 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.231
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ella Retford Comedienne, Bay Russell Comedian, Musical Comedy, Rosei Archer humorous Songs and Sketches at the Piano, Mr and Mrs Harold Finden Sketch Artistes, The Evans and Alton Troupe Comedy Acrobatics and Pantomimists, Fred Emney and Louie Tinsley in Episode Entitled, 'A Sister to Assist Her', Palette’s Novel Performing Dogs, Arthur C. Clifton Versatile Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Latest War Pictures, Yamamoto and Koyoshi Japanese...
Dates: 28 September 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 July 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.240
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell Witty Songs and Stories, The Piccadilians (Jessie, Estelle and Juliette) Musical Act, Babusio and Dax Comedy Acrobats and Tumblers, Jim C. Max in a Medley of Coon Songs and Dances, Gaye Gordon Comedienne, Royal Kondo Japanese Foot Juggler, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Latest War News in Animation, Molly Wells Chic Comedienne Assisted by Frank Mayban Some Bookworm Damage. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 July 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.249
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Will Walton and Co. Lancashire Comedy Act, Kitty Curtis Impressionist, Belle and Betty Novel Dancing Scenas, George Ackroyd and Ethel Remish Flautist and Soprano, Nora and Dane Acrobatic Absurdities, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Fred Curran Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.254
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Lily Hammersley and West End Company in 'The Years Between', Haley’s Juveniles Vocal Scena, Lydia and Francis Parisian, Artistic and Acrobatic Dances, Tom Costello Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Thelma Hamilton Soprano Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Frank Whitman Dance Mad Fiddler. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 January 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.256
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian Penrose and Whitlock, Harold Moss, Norfolk Gipsy Violinist and Isabel Maachah Musical and Dancing Fantasy, Olga Sydney Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Lue Joyce Perfect Lady, The Mellow Dee’s high Class Repertoire, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, St. Juste and Higgins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 January 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.257
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox Hebrew Comedians, Jock McKay Scots Comedian, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne, De Busse Piano Accordianist, Nelson and Nelson Comedy Acrobats, The Carylls and Chorister, Thelma Hamilton Yorkshire Soprano, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Nelson Jackson Humorist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 February 1920

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, 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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.206
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Happy Fanny Fields Jolly Dutch Girl Character, Andy McLeod American Comedian, Instrumentalist, Raconteur, The Three Vims Juggling Act, Brothers Leo Comedians, Tom Stuart Burlesque Comedian, Silbon’s Cats Animal Training, Eily Adair Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, McConnell Trio Vocal Comedy Sketch, The Dayton Family, Comical Smart Acrobatic and Risley Display. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 February 1913

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  • Subject: Acrobats X

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Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2
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