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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, 9 March 1936

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.329
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Afrique Impersonator of famous celebrities, Jeanette Adie The Ideal Male, Four Roadsters introducing Britain’s Greatest Street Singer, Adrienne and Austin Dancing, Gallagher and Spree American Comedy Duo, Frank Groves, The Argyle Orchestra, Ed. and Jess Cotrillo Jugglers, The Four Wonder Wheelers Laughs and Sensations. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 9 March 1936

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 January 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.600
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vonare Lady contortionist, Violet Reefern Serio and descriptive dancer, The Two Howes comedians and dancers, Harry Stennet transatlantic performer, Fred Harrington Anglo-Dutch Milanese piper and ballad vocalist, May Oliver Anglo-American soubrette, Olvene and Nestal trapeze artists, Master Charl prince of the silver wire, Nellie Gertie, The Minims grand instrumental Speciality. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and red type.

Dates: 25 January 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster

 Digital Image
Reference code: 178-r012-024
Dates: 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.128
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 6 Brothers Luck in new Pantomimic Absurdity 'The Hermit', Animated Photographs of General Buller and the C.I.V’s. return to England Produced by the Royal Bioscope, The Dorrells Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Charles Seel Comedian, Martha Gymnast, Maude Needham Serio Comic and Ballad Vocalist, T.W. Barrett The Nobleman’s Son, Marion Keats-Serio-Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 November 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, 11 August 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.133
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Albert Athas and Lizzie Collins Comedy Duettists, Billy Farrell American Song and Dance Act, Rich and Rich Comedians and Dancers, Jessie Albini Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Cyrus and Maude with their Performing Donkey, May Fitzmaurice Burlesque Actress, Frank Dunlop Character Comedian, Peggy Primrose Vocalist and Dancer, Ernest Rees Character Comedy. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 11 August 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 October 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.134
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Poluski Brothers (Will and Sam) In a New and Original Entertainment, Tom and Mario Motramo Musical Comedy Team, The 2 Weirs Duettists and Dancers, Bob Hutt Eccentric Comedian, The British Quartette, John Bull, Sandy, Pat and Taffy Glee Singers, Gerald Mount descriptive Vocalist, Maude Mortimer Descriptive Character Vocalist, Sisters Govell Duetists and Dancers, De Dio Allegorical Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool.

Dates: 27 October 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 November 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.135
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Freeman Comic Singer, The Nine Rosebuds Vocalists and Dainty Dancers, Daisy James Comedienne, Harry Dent Vocal and Burlesque Comedian, Austin Rudd of Red Light, Danger!, Fame, May Queen Vocalist and Dancer, Edmunda Ventriloquist and Mimic, Harry Villers Character Comedian, Ella Retford Comedienne, Royal Bioscope with a Series of Novel Pictures Including A Trip To the Moon, The Collins Trio Including Miss Rachel Lowe Vocal Comedy Artistes....
Dates: 10 November 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.139
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The New York Nippers in Unique Act 'Bedtime', George D’Albert Comedian, The Howards Instrumentalists and Comedy Artistes, Grey and Wilford Comedians and Boxers, Carne Curre Comedian, Nellie Martell Comedienne and Dancer, Henry F. Wilson Tenor Vocalist, J.G. Aitkin Comedian, Molly Doon Comedienne, Breton’s Troupe of Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 9 February 1903

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, 23 March 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.142
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Comedian Wal Pink and Company in Farcical Sketch 'The Prize baby', Georgina Leonard Burlesque Actress, Harry Anderson Singer of Chorus Songs, Winnie Derson Serio Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancers, Ella Dean-Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Chas. Russell Character Comedian, J.W. Rowley Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 March 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.143
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The White Mahatmas, The Violas Mental Telegraphy, Sam Kelly Character Comedian and Dancer, Boston Twins Speciality Comedians, Comic Conjurors, Pantomimists, Double Voiced Vocalists and Mimics, Lancashire Quartette! Vocalists and Expert Dancers, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, Fred Sandy Baritone and Descriptive Vocalist, Lillian Sivado Gymnast, The Dunlops Trick Cycle Act, Lily Turner Burlesque Actress, Preston and Balmaine Song...
Dates: 11 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.144
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Professor James Finney Champion Swimmer and Miss Marie Finney, The Heroine of London Bridge and an Aquatic Display, The Haytors Comedy, Verno and Voyce Singing Comedienne, The Jalvans Oriental Equilibrists and Jugglers, Lillie Rhodes Comedienne and Dancer, Sydney Lee Magician, Harry Conlin Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 August 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.145
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Melot Hermann Man of Mystery, Jack Lorimer Comedian, Downes and Langford Burlesque Character Comedians and Dancers, Dora Lyric Refined Comedienne, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Dacre Sisters Character Duettists and Dancers, John E. Coyle Comedian, Marie Santoi Coon Comedian, Mr and Mrs Gene Hughes in 'A Matrimonial Substitute'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 August 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 August 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.146
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike S. Whallen, The New Comet With Many Tales, Leila Roze Comedienne, Les Voces Soloist and Duettist, Brett and Orford in New and Original Seaside Episode 'On the Quiet', Zooroft Mimic and Instrumental Imitator, Nora Emerald Comedienne and dancer, The Bioscope, Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in Pantomimical Sketch 'A Zoological Comedy'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 August 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 October 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.147
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Comedian, Palles and Cussick Yankee Curiosities, Comedians and Burlesque Boxers, Curtis and Vanity Creators and Masters of the Cake walk, Sam Mayo Comedian, Ethel Ra-Leslie Character Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians, J.A.Cassels Scotch Character Comedian, The Four Olympian Stars Cake walkers, Vocalists and Dancers, Foreman and Fannan The Millionaires, Percy and Harold. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 12 October 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 March 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.148
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Society Duettists, Malcolm Scott Comedian, Sanford and Lyons Conversationalists, Duettists and Dancers, May Henderson in Coon Songs and Big-boot Dances, Ella Retford Comedienne and Dancer, Rose Harvey Burlesque Actress and Descriptive Vocalist, Chas. Austin Eccentric Character Comedian, The O’Briens Irish Comedy Sketch Team, The Bioscope, Horace Mills and W.H. Rawlins in Comedy Oddity 'Mashing the Misses'. Printed by S. Griffith and...
Dates: 14 March 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 May 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.150
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Verno and Voyce Vocal Burlesque, Jack Sheppard Burglary at the Grange, Bob Hamilton Scotch Comedian and Concertinist, Joe Cheevers and Ned Kennedy Irish-American Sketch Team, Madge Daly Comedienne and Vocalist, Abel and Welsh Comic Gymnastic Grotesques, Gus Hindell Character and Descriptive Vocalist, Hess and Lisbon Comic Skaters introducing the Jumbo Policeman, Johnny Worman Comedian and Dancer, Motoring a Clever Sketch Produced by Harry Tate’s...
Dates: 30 May 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 August 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.152
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Melot Hermann Man of Mystery!, Sable Fern Comedienne and Singer, Lotto, Lillo and Otto trick and Comedy Cyclists, Queen and Le Brun Comedian and Dancer, Allis and Cassatti Comedy Duettists, Tyrolean Vocalists and Dancers, Harry Zetter Comedian and Grotesque Dancer, Fred Curran Peculiar Comedian, Seeley and West-American Comedians and Instrumentalists in Black and White. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 August 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 August 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.153
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. R.A.Roberts Protean Actor in 'Dick Turpin', Cline and Clark Black and White Comedy Artistes and Speciality Dancers, Ray Maskell Comedienne, Vocalist and Dancer, Victor Travers Comedy, Renson and White Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Les Voces Duettists, Jack Mills Character Comedian, Leila Roze Versatile Society Entertainer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 August 1904

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