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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 36 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.255
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 2 Rascals, Chas O’Donnell and Eddie Fields, Madge Velma and her Ruffles Lady Vocalists, Frank Keith Light Star Comedian, Francis and Alfred Juggler and Assistant, Stephanie Anderson Dancing and Instrumental Quick Change Act, Nona Dixie Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ronez, the Broken Cellist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 May 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.263
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Variety’s Greatest Song, Joe Mangin and Syd Kerbel Jolly Songs, Arthur Ferris Character Comedian, Zelinda Davies Singer, Tom Payne Musician Athlete, Junes(Ida and Grace) Mexican Speciality Dances, Massona Juggling Humorist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, De Wynne Brothers Classical Athletic Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 3 May 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 June 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.265
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn, Jack Thomas Comedian, The Incomparable Damsell and Boy Juggling Equilibrist, We Three, Susie Belmore, Vera Vere, Dorothy Belmore, Ben Warris Comedian, Ernest St. George Vocal Enigma, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Zetta Mor Character Vocalist and Male Impersonator. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 June 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.295
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell the Irish Entertainer, Gaston Palmer Juggling Comedian, Harry Ford Comedian, The Martinis Ballroom Dancers, Will Gardiner Comedian, Sisters Gannon Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joseph P. Nolan presents Billy Morris Boxing Display. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 November 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 December 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.297
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Tommy Mostol and Company in 'The Rest Cure', Tailleur Andrews Actor Vocalist, Bert Lindon and Will Moon in a Chocolate and White Vocal Entertainment, Sydney Edwards, the Card Master, Austin Layton Soprano, Carlos Menard Novelty Fiddler, The Two McCrans Eccentric Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Beaucaire and His Butlers Comedy Juggling. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 December 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.298
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Pickard’s Chinese Syncopators in Musical Scena 'The Land Of Mah Jong', The Mongadors French Jugglers, George Betton Comedian, Anona Winn and Brett Davies, Jack Dukes the Singing Miller, Day Sisters, the Quarelsome Schoolgirls, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Mae Baird and Archie Thompson Dancers From Down Under. Black and red type.

Dates: 20 January 1930

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.309
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead . Woodward’s Wonderful Performing Sea Lions and Seals, Musicians, actors, mimics, comedians and singers, Introducing Leo, the Monstre North Pole juggler, balancer and Equilibrist, Richard H. Douglass comedian and entertainer, Captain Slingsby ventriloquist expert, Chas. Seel comedian and dancer, Cribb and Cribb acrobatic Eccentrics, Maude Needham serio comedienne, The Royal Bioscope, Harry Glynn’s Comic Sketch Team, American Comedy Four. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 November 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 February 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.315
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Lashwood comedian, Dumond’s Minstrels Hurgini juggler and equilibrist, Bella and Bijou society entertainer, Howard Bros Oriental Somnuists, Nora Keeble burlesque actress, The Fothergills sketch artistes, Daisy Meadows serio comedienne, vocalist and dancer, Clarke and Rays American banjoists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 13 February 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.317
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Kokin the Beau Brummel of juggling from the Flowery Kingdom, Rumbo Austin and his comic Nippers, Mays and Hunter the premier American Banjo Experts, Tom Stuart mimic, Mignonette character chanteuse and Danseuse Eccentrique, Cyrus Dare society humourist and Imitator of Funny Children, Lida Dunlo Serio comic vocalist and dancer, T.C. Callaghan Character comedian, Florrie St. Clair Serio and descriptive Vocalist, Haig and Haig knockabout comedy, The...
Dates: 7 January 1901

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.320
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Merson Comedian, Sammy Shields Scottish Comedian, Boy Ronald Juggler, Cissie Lupino In Songs and Dance, Pam and Girls Acrobatic dancing Novelty, Delaney and Lee Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Empire Operatic Quartette in gems from popular operas. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 22 March 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 October 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.325
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Harvey Boys comic and scientific boxing, Singing and Dancing, Minnie Cunningham Serio comedienne and Dancer, Walter King comedian and Dancer, Edison Vitascope, The Channings Operatic vocalists, Lily Ford Premiere Danseuse and Vocalist, Harry Bedford Comedian, Bransby Williams Character sketches from Charles Dickens, The Great Selbini troupe Acrobats, Cyclists, Musicians and Jugglers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue...
Dates: 2 October 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 September 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.327
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edwin Styles comedian, Eric Randolph actor vocalist, Sandrisi Copelli acrobatic character and eccentric dancers, The Musical Sylvesters, The Tudors Juggling, Balancing, Trick Jumping and Tumbling act, Verme and Anna Piano Accordionists, Pathe’s News, Sydney Fuller and best Friend in comedy 'A La Mode'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red and black type.

Dates: 7 September 1931

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

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

Filtered By

  • Subject: Jugglers X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 34
Collection 2
 
Subject
Acrobats 13
Aerialists 3
Animal trainers 4
Animals 10
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2