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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 185 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 February 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.205
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Radford and Valentine Juggling Jesters, Maggie Benson Comedienne, Mr and Miss Debrean Japanese Entertainers, Henry Helme Singer from the French Alps, Haidee De Rance Violinist and Vocalist, Johnson and Bert Character Comedians, Victor Travers Eccentric Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, J.W. Rickaby Burlesque Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 10 February 1913

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

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: Motion pictures X

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 183
Collection 2
 
Subject
Acrobats 43
Aerialists 3
Animal trainers 4
Animals 19
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3