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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 245 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.271
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Robert Reilly Musical Tableaux, The Real McKays Scotch Comedy, Jim Nolan Comedian, Veronica Trio Operatic Selections and Ballads, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Sanni In Comedy Speciality, 'Tit-Bits', Frances Kinders Dainty Vocalist and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ben Osborne and Nellie Perryer Comedy Sketches. Blue and red type.

Dates: 6 September 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 September 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.272
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams in 'Uncle John', Tom Clare Piano and Songs, Ambrose Barker and Peggy Wynne In 'Song Impressions', The Westbrooks (Maudie and Tessie) Novelty Dancing Scena, Jack Poulter Comedian, Tambo and Tambo Tambourines, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting, Pictures, Fayre Four Sisters Tina, Inga, Lilia and Sylva Musical Pot-Pourri. Blue and red type.

Dates: 13 September 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 January 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.278
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Ina Hill from the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Co., Jack Thomas Comedian, Razza Human Gramophone, Foster Kershaw, Four Revels Premier Dancers, Harry Moore Paper Manipulator, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Julot and Piero Silliness. Blue and red type

Dates: 3 January 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 January 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.280
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vernon Watson Entertainer and Mimic, Terry Wilson Comedy Star, Lune and Shaw Comedy Character Act, The Hadens Singers and Continental Dancers, Albert and Rogers New Zealand’s Premier Artistes, Tom Lee with and without a Piano, Wee Dorothy Dodd Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Hinsle Comedian Illusionist. Blue and red type

Dates: 24 January 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 February 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.282
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey, Lue Joyce, De Busse Piano-Accordionist, Wells and Nash Comedians and Dancers, Dan Whitley Comic, Nelli Nora Instrumental Speciality, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Renee and Godfrey Girl and Boy Dancers. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 February 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 23 October 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.239
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. The Marvellous Rikfords, The Eight Eldorado Girls vocalists and dancers, Tony & Frances Ryder -comic bar act introducing the female clown and three trained monkeys, Tom Woottwell loose legged comedian, The New Macs Irish knockabout comedy, Dulcie Laing vocalist and skipping rope dancer, The Dorrells duettists, vocalists and dancers, The Vitascope, Preston and Balmaine Illustrated songs, Duets etc, introducing the latest American Coon songs. Red, blue and yellow type on white...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 23 October 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 30 October 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.240
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Julie Mackey, Gerald Mount Tyrolean and Descriptive Vocalist, Mark Melfords No 2 Company in ‘Between the turns or My Wife Won’t Let Me’, Sisters Leo characteristic Vocalists and Dancers, Chas. Russell character actor-vocalist, Collons’ troubadours lady vocalists and dancers, The Edison Thomas Vitascope, Nellie Stratton Serio-comic vocalist and dancer, Wilkie Bard character comedian. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers,...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 30 October 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.1
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Fillis’ South African Dogs, The Mannons Renowned Pantomimists, Valrose Serio-Comic Vocalist, Adolph Faue Wire Equilibrist and Expert Tumbler, Miss Ailsa Cairns Serio-Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Mr Alec Burnard Comedian, Author and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Harry Zetter Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Mr Walter Pussord The Great Necromancer and Patterer of the Day, assisted by Mr Sydney Lee. Monday Next, Tennyson and Gorman. Green type on off white background. Printed by S....
Dates: Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 1 August 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.2
Scope and Contents

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.

Dates: Week commencing Monday 1 August 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.4
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. George Power Comedian, Mr Harry Shaw Musical Eccentric Comedian, Miss Marion Lena Characteristic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Harry Barker Descriptive Vocal Actor, The Watsons Irish Comedy Entertainers, Miss Marie Kean Burlesque Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Robert J, Carroll Comedian, Author and Dancer, Mildred Cohen Vocalist, Norton Prestidgitateur Seeing Is Believing, Carl Howlett’s Royal Improved Marionette Pantomime. Green and red type on off white background. Printed by S Griffith...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 24 March 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.6
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Thatcher and Leopold American Black and White Face, Comedians, Miss Annie Sharland Serio-Comic and Ballad Vocalist, Mr George Langston Comedian and Dancer, Madame Sanyeah with Her Highly Trained Performing Dogs, and Wonderful Goat assisted by Little Letto, Acrobat, Carl Freeman Conjuror, illusionist, Wonder Worker, Card and Coin Manipulator, Messrs. Geraghty and Gilligan Conversational Comedians, Wal Curtis Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Mr George Ripon. Black and yellow type on...
Dates: Week commencing 24 March 1890

Argyle Theatre of Variety Poster, 7 November 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R53.20
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. The Famoust American Biograph invented by Herman Cassler, including royalty in private life, the Prince of Wales' tea party, Galtee more winning the Derby, military review at Aldershot, Henley Regatta, naval review at Spithead, the marvellous fire bridage turnout, The Empire State Express, the pillow fight, Booker & Narbis, Miss Jenny Valmore, Herbert Lisle, Sandy & Carl, Tom Mulvaney, Sisters Santley, Morney Cash, Florence and Lilian. Red and blue type on white...
Dates: 7 November 1897

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, c1880 - 1940

 Series
Reference code: 178R12
Scope and Contents

Large collection of Argyle Theatre posters.

Dates: c1880 - 1940

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

Prince of Wales Theatre Poster, 28 December 1885

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.1
Scope and Contents

Prince of Wales Theatre, Birkenhead. Oscar Dubourg and Little Jim The Man Fish and The Boy Frog with illustration of water tank, The Langans, Miss Kate Dalton Ballad and Serio Comic Vocalist, Mr Fred Bennet Eccentric Irish Comedian, Vocalist and Expert Dancer, Bros. Lang, Craven and Donway The Sable Stars. ‘England’s Premier Chair, Turn Artistes, Mr George Ellison The Celebrated Negro Entertainer and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Purple and blue type.

Dates: 28 December 1885

Prince of Wales Theatre Poster, 15 October 1888

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.2
Scope and Contents Prince of Wales Theatre, Birkenhead. Professor Buer and his wonderful troupe of animals, Miss Edie Merten serio-comic and ballad vocalist, The Original female Feeney, Miss Lilly Marney Irish patriotic character vocalist, male impersonator and dancer, Miss Ada Caryl vocalist, J.P. Dance dialect character comedian and dancer, Mr James Shields Irish character comedian, Mr Albert Rivers Comic and vocalist, Tom Bradley Character comedian, vocalist grotesque and refined Song and Dance Artiste, Jew...
Dates: 15 October 1888

Prince of Wales Theatre Poster, 29 October 1888

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.3
Scope and Contents Prince of Wales Theatre, Birkenhead. Sig. Verdi Deavant and his 12 Educated Cats, 12 Wonderful Rats, 12 Marvellous Mice and 12 Splendid Canaries, Miss Mal de Vane serio-comic vocalist, Miss Laura Gordon vocalist and Irish Balladist, George Knowles comic and topical vocalist, Three sisters Carlton, Professor Devono conjuror, Lena Price vocalist, Mr. J. Walsh Comic vocalist and Top-Boot dancer, Miss Madge Daly Irish comedienne, The Great Fixers in ‘The Wrong Man. Laughable Negro Sketch’....
Dates: 29 October 1888

Prince of Wales Theatre Poster, 10 December 1888

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.4
Scope and Contents Prince of Wales Theatre, Birkenhead. Zampi one-legged gymnast, Miss Daisy Victor serio-comic and Ballad vocalist, Mr Walter Mappin Artiste and Guitarist, Miss Maud Haydn Serio and Burlesque actress, The Sisters Mayfield, Maude and Minnie Tyrolean, Vocalists and dancers, Mr C.A. Watson comic man of colour, late of the Troubadour Quartette, Two infant Bicycle Phenomena, Messrs. Gilbert and M’Cann Black Bosses of the, Burnt Bung, Brigade, Villier’s Comedy Sketch company in Screaming Absurdity,...
Dates: 10 December 1888

Prince of Wales Theatre Poster, 25 - 30 May c1880 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.90
Scope and Contents Prince of Wales Theatre, Birkenhead. Miss Bessie Bonehill burlesque artist and nautical Vocalist, Miss Birdie Brightling Vocalist and Banjoist, Mr. George Medley comic, Miss Bertie Stokes burlesque actress and vocalist Stebb and Trepp, Harry Lester character comedian, vocalist and dancer, Stanley and Lillian duettists and dancers, Miss Nellie Gannon character vocalist, Patrick Cashan Irish comedian, vocalist and dancer, Mr Harry Wright motto, topical and satirical vocalist, Carlin and Price...
Dates: 25 - 30 May c1880 - 1899

Filtered By

  • Subject: Dance X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 242
Collection 2
Digital Record 1
 
Subject
Acrobats 42
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 28
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3