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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 35 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, Week commencing 10 November 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.3
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Miss Maud Distin Lady Baritone, Mr Ben Fielding, Miss Nellie Gertine Double-voiced Vocalist, Mad’lle Desirie in ‘Mystia’ a series of charming illusions, Brothers Bondolas The Monarchs of the Air, Mr Andy Rhyne Eccentric Knockabout Vocalist, Acrobat & Grotesque, Miss Julia Hanson Burlesque Actress, Mr George Ripon Comedian, Miss Eva Johnson Serio-Ballad Vocalist, Mr Joe Fredricks 'negro' Comedian and Dancer, Mons. Dusoni’s Great and Unequalled Troupe of Trained Performing Dogs...
Dates: Week commencing 10 November 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.5
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Sergt. Simms’ Columbian Cadets, Twelve Genuine 'Negro' Boys from the Bahama Islands in ‘Le Bivouac’, Miss Nellie Gertine Character Baritone Vocalist, The Durhams Incomparable Dancers, The Minting Troupe in New Pantomimic Absurdity ‘Fun On the, Road’ introducing AH Minting, the World’s Greatest Trick, Cyclist’, Walter Pussord Premier Prestidigitateur, Illusionist and Humorist, Nassau Piccaninnies Moonlight Shadow dance, May Morton Serio-Comedienne and Characteristic Vocalist, Miss...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895

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 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 Varieties Poster, 2 November 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.19
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sam Jesson Comedian, Miss Maud Hilton The Tyrolean Queen, Miss Edith Clare Burlesque, Mr Harry Shaw Musical Comedian, Miss Amy Russell Soprano Vocalist, Tony Griffin Feeney Redivivus, Irish Comedian, Miss Georgina Boyack Female Jester, Sandro Vio Famous Wizard King and Comic Conjuror, Miss Eva Merrywood Singer and Dancer, Robinsons Scotch, Irish and American Artistes, Mr W. Randall Robsonian Comic and Actor, Mr J.C. Heffron Character Comedian,...
Dates: 2 November 1891

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 January 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.36
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Farrell and Wilmot Irish Comedians, Miss Bessie St. John Burlesque, Descriptive, Serio-comic and Dancer, Mr Bob Gardner Double Voiced Vocalist and Tyrolean Harmonist, Sisters Conlan Duettists and Dancers, Major Devono Illusionist, Sisters Vose Duettists, Vocalists and Wonderful Dancers, Frank Travis Vocal Comedian, Madeline Rosa Lady Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 16 January 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.38
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Arthur Lloyd Vocal Comedian, Professor Alf. Holmes and Miss Marion Lena in Their Bewildering Performance Both Novel and Amusing, Mr George Prince Character Comic Vocalist, Messrs. Sawyer and Ellis Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Mons. De Cone Grandest Wizard Show on Earth, Sisters Leslie Duettists and Dancers, Mr Harry King-Lloyd and Miss Annie King-Lloyd will Appear in a Selection From Their Numerous Sketches Nightly, Miss Violet...
Dates: 3 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.45
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Mannons in their Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Sisters Spightley Duettists, Vocalists and Speciality Dancers, Mr. E. W. Selman Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Miss Mabel Comley the Sultan of Serios, Professor Howard American Illusionist and Thought Reader, Miss Nellie Oldene New York Star, Harry Stanley the Miniature Charles Godfrey, Mr Harry Dashwood Character Vocal Comedian, Miss Rosie Elliott Burlesque Actress and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates: 21 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.130
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Mysterious Lilith introduced by Professor Fred Harcourt, the Marvellous Magician, Rawson and June Australian Boomerang Throwers, The Saxon Trio Strong Men, Mike Whallen Raconteur and Extempore Vocalist, Lillian Warren In Her Novel Vocal Pictures, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Violet Wilton Comedienne and Dancer, Frank Coyle Character Comedian, Carl Nobel Danish Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow...
Dates: 20 January 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 February 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.131
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in Their Amusing and Laughter Provoking Kindergarten, The Bohemians Musical Comedy, Cora Casselli Italian Dancer, The Jetneys the Apollos of Darktown Aristocracy, Sisters Russell Duettists and Dancers, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Rose Conroy Serio Comedienne, M. Dell Conjuror and Illusionist, Lachie Thompson’s Top weights Musical Acts, Frantz Family-Lady and Gentlemen Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 17 February 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.137
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Apollo Strong Man, Miss Kahn, the Queen of Slight of Hand and Kahn, the Master of Mystery, Harry Wenburn Comedian, Fred Bush and Sadie Bushell Vocalists, R.K. Dunning Ventriloquist, Sybil St. Elmo Ballad Vocalist, Billy Renton Character Comedian, Amy Anderson Comedienne, The Brothers Horne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 15 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 April 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.124
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, The Seven Savonas Gigantic Fairyland of Electric Lights, Musical Act, Peggy Pryde Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Frank Seeley Comedian, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Mad’lle De Lil Illusionist, Marguerite and May Duettists and Dancers, Senorita Eloina Gymnast, Royal Bioscope with the Latest Animated Pictures Of the War In South Africa. Monday next, Nellie Christie, Marie French, Chas Pastor etc. Printed by S....
Dates: 30 April 1900

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, 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, 4 July 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.151
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lind? From The Tivoli, London, Harry Grey The Australian Nugget, Haig and Novel Clever Acrobatic Comedy Act, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Billy Richardson The Black Orator, Mons. Delil Conjuror and Card Expert, Carlotta Mayson Characteristic Vocalist, Cora Gray Comedienne, The Bioscope, Brothers Lloddge Athletics and Silver Chain Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 July 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 September 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.155
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Valazzi Juggler and Equilibrist, Lily Marney The Spanish-Irish Girl, The Four Ramlos Acrobatic and Comedy Bar Performers, Minnie Cunningham Singer, Professor Bernar King of Marionettes, Barney Vox Ventriloquist, Lily Lonsdale Soprano Vocalist, Ernie Myers Dialect Comedian and Dancer, Sydney Lee Prince of Magic, Jimson’s Comedy Animal Act introducing his Latest Novelty, The Talking Pig. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red...
Dates: 19 September 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 July 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.162
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Osborn and Brookes in 'Partners: or, the Tragedian Turned Topsy Turvey', The Three Sisters Hayden Character Comediennes, The Ettenas Globe Artistes, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Vasey and Ramsey Grotesque Dance Act, Bros. Adderley, Mons. De Lil Illusionist, Austin Rudd Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 July 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.169
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edith Muir, Hubert Bartlett and Co. in Comedy 'The Collar Stud!', Rose Elliott Singer, J.W.Gallagher Eccentric Comedian, Boden and Bell Juvenile Dancers, Nellie Cotter, Vocalist, Aimee Desiree Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, The Three Royal Dreadnoughts (Lillian, Vera and Major Charles) Rifle Shots and Famous Dog Nellie. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 22 July 1907

Filtered By

  • Subject: Magic X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 33
Collection 2
 
Subject
Music-halls 31
Dance 26
Singing 26
Motion pictures 15
Ventriloquists 14