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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 347 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.245
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Westminster Singers Male Voice Quartette, Marcelle and his Unique Partner, a Sea Lion, George Wilby Expressionist and Mimic, The Kitchen Comedy Four, Josephine Langley Ventriloquist, Sisters Gannon Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, G.S. Melvin Versatile Scot. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.246
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Lotinga in New Comedy Sketch 'Wanted A Wife', Fred Barnes incomparable Artiste, The Pigquays and Imp American Novelty Artistes, Delany and Dean Vocal, Comedy and Dancing, Marjorie Fulton Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Rich Hayes Clown, Daisy Taylor-Scotch Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.247
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Graves and Company in 'Koffo, of Bond Street', Tom E. Hughes, Edna Lyall Soprano Vocalist, Roelgin’s Parrots Performing Bird Act, Jaffa Conjoring Comic, Gwennie Morgan Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, George Hatton Presents The Bell-Hattons a Refined Musical Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.248
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Clarice Mayne and That Selections From Their Repertoire, Nora Delany Comedienne, Ernest Krake and Company Comedy Act In 'The Electric Tram Car Conductor', Alex Prince Concertina Soloist, Leonard and Stevens In Comedy Sketch 'Coming Home', Jack Poulter Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Wilfred Burnand Original Character and Song Studies. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.249
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Will Walton and Co. Lancashire Comedy Act, Kitty Curtis Impressionist, Belle and Betty Novel Dancing Scenas, George Ackroyd and Ethel Remish Flautist and Soprano, Nora and Dane Acrobatic Absurdities, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Fred Curran Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.250
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe, Charles Cohan Hebrew Comedian, Sisters Reeve Pantomime Favourites in Dainty Songs and Duets, The Johnnys in Colour Shadow Southwood, His Pink Lady and a Piano, The 2 McCuskers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation Jerome and Carson In Vaudeville Breezes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.251
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mdlle. Marguerite Scialtiel Supported by Jane Wells and Martin, Walker In One Act Comedy 'My Lonely Soldier', Jack Lane Yorkshire Rustic, Mart and Pep Spanish Entertainers Ethal Leslie, The Gallant, Band Master Morris One Man Band, Little Hazel Juvenile Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Oswald Bemand and his Famous Pet Wonder Pigeons. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.252
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilbert Payne and Company In Farcical Comedy, 'Bingle’s Bungle', Jack Thompson and Annie Walker Vocalists Assisted by Cecila, Johnson, Violinist, The Martini’s Piano Cabaret Scena introducing the Latest, American Society Dances, Manuel Vega Comedy Act, Cassie Walmer Eccentric Contralto and Dancer, Katie Butler Character Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Finlay Dunn Joke at the Pian’, Julot and Partner French...
Dates: 21 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.253
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams, 'The Seven Ages of Man', From Baby to Old Man 102, Those Two Nondescripts and a Piano, George de Alma Banjo Boy, Freda Lawrence and Billie Bowie Comedy Entertainers, Sophie Forrest Comedienne, James Barry Dancing Marvel, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Artemas Comedy Illusionist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 28 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.254
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Lily Hammersley and West End Company in 'The Years Between', Haley’s Juveniles Vocal Scena, Lydia and Francis Parisian, Artistic and Acrobatic Dances, Tom Costello Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Thelma Hamilton Soprano Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Frank Whitman Dance Mad Fiddler. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1918

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, 12 January 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.256
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian Penrose and Whitlock, Harold Moss, Norfolk Gipsy Violinist and Isabel Maachah Musical and Dancing Fantasy, Olga Sydney Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Lue Joyce Perfect Lady, The Mellow Dee’s high Class Repertoire, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, St. Juste and Higgins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 January 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.257
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox Hebrew Comedians, Jock McKay Scots Comedian, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne, De Busse Piano Accordianist, Nelson and Nelson Comedy Acrobats, The Carylls and Chorister, Thelma Hamilton Yorkshire Soprano, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Nelson Jackson Humorist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 February 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 September 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.183
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Tate in Latest Absurdity 'Flying', Dusty Rhodes Comedian, Stevens and Brett Refined Burlesque Entertainers, Mr. C. Who Sings and Talks, Sable Fern and Company in 'Boy Scouts in Camp', The Emsons Duettists and Dancers, Maude Courtney American Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Herman Melot French Conjuror. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 September 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 October 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.184
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana Vocalist, Mike S. Whallen Comedian and Raconteur, The 4 Vagabonds Comedy Quartettte, Milner and Storey Comedy, Frances McNulty, Bros. Ashley Comedy Boxing Sketch, Dick Geldard Light Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, H.O. Wills Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 3 October 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 October 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.185
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. John Terry and Mabel Lambert Farcical Impersonations, Julian Mack Topical Talking Dame, Winifred Ward Immaculate Boy, Woodhouse and Wells Comedians, Patters and Dancers, Rose Sartella American Comedian, Barry Lupino Pantomime Favourite Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Alexandre and Hughes Musical Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 October 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 November 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.186
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jennie Johns Comedienne, Tom Jones The Whimsical Welshman, Brothers Redmond Acrobatic Comedians, Fred Earle Character Comedian, Stewart and Morgan Vocal Speciality, Tod Lowen Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Colin Mail Descriptive Vocalist, Minnie Leslie and Edgar Stevens Comedy Sketch. Saturday Dec 3rd 1910. Grand Benefit Matinee in Aid Of the Widow and Children of the Late John Lomax. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red...
Dates: 28 November 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 December 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.187
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Dave Samuals American Hebrew Comedian, Jock Whiteford Smart Scot, George D’Albert Light Comedian, Mr and Mrs Royston Dene Assisted by Eileen Dartrey, Comedietta Sylvester Trio in 'A Drawing Room Rehersal', Introducing Their Nocturnal Dancing Display, Bernard and Weston Comedians and Dancers, Madeline Rossiter Comedienne and Dancer, Edie Anderson the Little Gem, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Charles Norton In Original Mimetic Monologues. Special Cine...
Dates: 5 December 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 December 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.188
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Alex. Piccard Company of Pantomimists in 'Burglars of New York', Victor’s Juveniles Mimics in Vocal and Dancing Specialities, Jenny and Joe American Kiddies in Novel Song and Dance, Lizzie Glenroy Scotch Comedienne and Dancer, John Robbs Popular Tenor, Davis and Deane Comedians and Shadow Dancers, Harry Marte Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Geo. Lambton Comedian, Leslie Harris At the Piano, Special Cine Matinees Every Monday, Thursday and...
Dates: 26 December 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 January 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.189
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Famous Craggs in 'Territorials or England’s Last Hope', Arthur Lennard Actor-Vocalist, The Four Royal Scots Gaelic Songs, Special Cine Matinees Every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, Fred Elton Scena at the Piano, Haig and Novel Comedy Singing and Dancing Act, F.V. St. Clair Vocalists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Tom Joy Comedian, Roze and Calvert Comedy Act in 'Captain Kettle and his Charming, Mate'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 2 January 1911

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