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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 12 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, 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, 29 June 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.225
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hickey’s Comedy Circus Including the Comical Unridable Mule, Bertram Banks Mimicry of Children, Geo. Rae Eccentric Scot and Dancer, Little Elsie Prince Dainty Songs and Dances, J. Olrac’s Company of Comedians Wagner, the Concertina King, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Billy Simpson Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 June 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 August 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.302
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carr Lynn Mimetic Comedian, Monica and Pat Daly, Helen Binnie Comedienne, Terri and June Music and Dancing, Raby and Dell in Mirth and Melody, The Argyle Orchestra Under the Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Kathleen Caldecott English Concertina Playing, Mdlle. Al-Wright Presents Her Comedy Circus, Pathe’s Super News Gazette. Black and red type.

Dates: 10 August 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 November 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.304
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Grunden and Hec. McLennan, The Song Crackers, Frank Wilson, a Band in Himself, Jo Sisters and Jon Musical and Dancing Act, Barry Barnes Comedian, Pepino with His Comedy Burlesque Circus, Ben Said, The Funjorer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Mitchel and Peru Comedians. Black and red type.

Dates: 30 November 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.310
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Astley’s American Circus, Lily Marney character comedienne, Jack and Evelyn song and dance, Lilian Lowe ballad and descriptive vocalist, E.J. Sheldon comedian whislter and dancer, Brothers Adderley duettists and mimics, Arthur Gilbert character comedian, Manning’s Entertainers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 11 December 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 October 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.74
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Eight Welshmen Vocalists, Mr Harry Ford Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Prof. Dainez’s Miniature Circus, Mr Bob Vokes Character Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, Pat Carey Irish Comedian and Dancer, The Bros. McGrath Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Millie Vokes Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Lizzie Howard Descriptive Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 26 October 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.89
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Judy Shirley The Star of 'Monday Night at Seven', Baker Dove and Allen International Club Men, The Reid Twins, The Valmar Trio from the Tower Circus, Blackpool, The McDonald and Maurice Twins, George Boyd Comedian, Don Carlos BBC Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool.

Dates: 9 September 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.100
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Prof. E.R. Dinez’s Wonderful Circus, Educated Ponies, Performing Goats and Smiler the Performing Donkey, Nelly Gannon Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Harry Wright Character Comedian, Wilkie Bard Delineator of the Coster Art, J.H. Sephton Vocalist, Dancer and Speciality Instrumentalist, Lilly Langtry Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Nellie Stratton Serio Comic and Burlesque Actress Dutch Daly comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 30 September 1895

Cyril Critchlow Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0089
Scope and Contents The Cyril Critchlow collection contains programmes, posters, handbills, books and magic journals, many of which relate to shows in Blackpool where Cyril resided and includes material on entertainment venues such as Blackpool’s North Pier, Central Pier, South Pier, Tower Circus and a small collection of programmes from other national venues. Additionally, it contains circus photographs and postcards mainly of the Ohmy Circus and Sanger Circus including individual circus troupes and performers...
Dates: c1837 - 2008

Posters, c1887 - 2010

 Series
Reference code: 178R27
Scope and Contents

Circus, variety, pantomime and magic posters including Argyle theatre, Liverpool Empire, Blackpool Tower Circus, Robert Brothers, Austen Brothers, Sorcar, Vesta Tilley, Ken Dodd, Dan Leno, Florrie Forde and others.

Dates: c1887 - 2010

Posters, c1880 - 1940

 Series
Reference code: 178R12
Scope and Contents

Large collection of Argyle Theatre posters.

Dates: c1880 - 1940

Filtered By

  • Subject: Circus X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 10
Collection 2
 
Subject
Dance 11
Comedians 10
Singing 10
Motion pictures 8
Animals 7