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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 13 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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 28 August 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.237
Scope and Contents

Birkenhead. Saker Harlow Trio! Continental Eccentrics, James Dubois, ‘Pongo’ the man monkey, gymnastic, entertainment, Letta and Minnie, Florence Chester Queen of African Coon and descriptive vocalist, Rose Conroy Serio-comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Gus Harris vocal character comedian, Lily Lever ballad and descriptive vocalist, Ryan and Hal L-pantomimic act. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.

Dates: Week commencing Monday 28 August 1899
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Cyril Critchlow Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.49
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Bellonini New Novel and Wonderful Entertainment Sensation of the Season, Miss Louise Ford Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Mt James Carson American Comedian and Soft Shoe Dancer, The Schallers (Arthur and Pam) Humorous Act, Singing, Dancing and Gymnastics, Rose Durran Serio Comic Vocalist and Champion Lady Dancer, Mr Frank Pirrung Foot Equilibrist, Mr John Ovenden Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, The Korries in Their Extremely Funny, Refined and...
Dates: 2 April 1894
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.125
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, The Seven Savonas Gigantic Fairyland of Electric Lights, Musical act, Marie French Burlesque Actress, Charles Pastor The Laughing Philosopher, Regan and Ryan Knockabout Comedy Exponent, Robb Gillmore Comic Posturer, Senorita Eloina Clever Gymnast, Jas. Grant The Character Comedian, Royal Bioscope Animated War Pictures, Nellie Christie 'delineator of Coon Songs', 'W.F.Frame is Coming'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 7 May 1900
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.306
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, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 November 1900
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 June 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.316
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Jenny Valmore serio comic vocalist, Mr J.H. Nation The laughing Comic, Sisters Olive duettists and dancers, Messrs Drew and Alders eccentric comedians, vocalists and Acrobatic experts, Little Luna gymnast, Bale troupe in their sensational Japanese entertainment, Mr J. Chippendale Irish character comedian and dancer, Allan and Hart American Speciality Artistes, Duettists and Quick Change Artistes. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 18 June 1894
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 January 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.75
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Daisy Mayer American Comedian, Coon Impersonator and Sand Dancer, Mr T. B. Fayme Eccentric Character Comedian, Miss Ella Stuart in Her Magnificent act Gymnastique de Salon, Escamo Slight of Hand Performer and Humorist, The Three Sisters Maynard Singers and Dancers, Messrs Howard and Paul Musical entertainers and Eccentric Comedians, Mr Arthur Ismay Comedian, Vocalist and Mimic, Mr Frank Adams Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, The Brothers Dare...
Dates: 11 January 1897
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Posters, c1880 - 1940

 Series
Reference code: 178R12
Scope and Contents

Large collection of Argyle Theatre posters.

Dates: c1880 - 1940
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection

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
Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Filtered By

  • Subject: Gymnasts X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 12
Collection 1
 
Subject
Music-halls 12
Singing 11
Dance 9
Musical performances 6
Acrobats 5
∨ more
Motion pictures 5
Pantomime 5
South African War, 1899-1902 4
War 4
Magic 3
Musicians 3
Skating 3
Aerialists 2
Animal trainers 2
Animals 2
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2
Boxing 2
Circus 2
Clowning 2
Contortionists 2
Dwarfs (Persons) 2
Female impersonators 2
Jugglers 2
Male impersonators 2
Minstrel shows 2
Puppets 2
Shooting 2
Sideshows 2
Strong men 2
Tableaux vivants 2
Thin people 2
Ventriloquists 2
World War, 1914-1918 2
Wrestling 2
Business 1
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