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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 114 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, 18 November 1889

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.5
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Richard Geldard character comedian, Miss Florence Eugene, Messrs. Milton and Norris Pantomimists, musicians and acrobatic dancers, J.B. Sinclair English, Irish and Scotch descriptive and motto vocalist, The Clayton twins English, American and Dutch Character impersonators, The Comical Puzzle or, which is which of the two? Assisted by sisters Wood and Willis, Will Hoare novelty dancer, Mr Harry Carsdale mimic. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 18 November 1889

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.8
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Olympian Quintette American Humorists, Sweet Vocalists introducing Glees, Trios and Miscellaneous Song, Emilie Presto Serio-comic, Hornpipe and Scottish Dancer, Captain Austin Champion Rifle Shot of the World, Jim Henderson Vocal Comedian and Dancer, Burns and Leech Merry Whimsical Musical Pair, Mr Fred Howe Comedian, high Pedestal Acrobatic Blade Skate, Dancer and Variety Artiste, Messrs. Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and the Bros. Slocum, American...
Dates: 24 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 March 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.11
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Lombartos England’s Premier Musical Clowns, Flo Hazel Tyrolean Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Will Bishop Top-Boot and Hornpipe Dancer, Brothers Forrester Knockabout Irish Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Mr Marcus Boyle Character Comedian, Harry Leon Variety Artiste and Dancer, Sisters Reefern the Original ‘Lancashire Witches’, Johnny and Marcella Hargreaves Variety Entertainers and Dancers for Easter Monday April 7th, Darby, Handford and Spry, Flo...
Dates: 31 March 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 October 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.14
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Baldwin Cat Renowned Parachutist!, Miss Selina Seaford Operatic and Ballad Vocalist Will Tyrrell New Lion Comique, Miss Peggy Pond Mimic, Vocalist, Actress and Dancer, Messrs. Bickley and Barron Refined Musical Comedian, Duettists and Dancers Bob Martin ‘Silence and Fun’, Miss Florence Hayes Everybody’s Favourite Patriotic, Extempore and Serio-Comic Lady, T.H. Spears, Military Monarch Vocal Character and Descriptive, Vocalist, Mr. A.P. Boswell...
Dates: 13 October 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 February 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.17
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Donaldson Brothers America’s Greatest and Most Marvellous performers, Mr. J.H. Haslam Comic Singer and Champion Dancer, Charlie Joy Serio-Comic Singer and Champion dancer, The Musical Mataros, Edgar Izon Vocalist, Mr Arthur West Vocalist, Nellie North Serio-Comic and Dancer, Forrest combination in "Sunshine after Rain". Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 2 February 1891

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, 10 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.30
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Sam Torr London Comic Vocalist, Miss Marie D’Semincourt Soprano Vocalist, Mr Frank Belmont Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Miss Minnie Ghent Speciality Song and Dance Artiste, Mr J.H. Kavanagh Comedian and Mimic, The Sisters Leslie Vocalists and Dancers, Temples Musical Entertainment, Mr Johnny Muldoon Irish Entertainer, Tom Berrick Amusing Ethiopian Delineator. Red and green type.

Dates: 10 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.31
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harlow Brothers See “The Three-Headed Man!” and their wonderful performing donkey, Sisters Reefern Duettists and Dancers, Mr Frank Coyle Comedian, Lizzie Ramsden Transformation Dancer, Ned Nevo Female Impersonator, Signor Borelli in his Unique Entertainment, Cassidy and Farrell Irish Comedians and Dancers, Mr Dave Cotterell descriptive and Light Comedy Vocalist, Mr Edward Fielding and Miss Fanny Johnson 'In a Witty and Humorous Entertainment, The...
Dates: 17 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 February 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.48
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alice Leamar Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Salmon Trick and Musical Bicycle Riders, Mr Dick Dunn Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Helen Vaneycken Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Renson and Waite Variety Artistes and Dancers, Miss Leza Leoni Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Mr Jos. Dixon Character Comedian and Dancer, Wal Pink Comedy Troupe in 'The Parrot'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 12 February 1894

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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 May 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.52
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Walter Munroe Irish Comedian and Dancer, Ada Blanchem Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and dancer, The Dennisons Eccentric Knockabout Pantomimists, Carrie Anderson Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Winona Aerial Rifle Act, Mr J.T. Daniels Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Yates and Emslie Operatic Vocalists, Sisters Wyatt Duettists and Dancers, The Pinellis Continental Eccentric Musical Grotesque Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 14 May 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 September 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.53
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr. G.W. Hunter 'The Mark Twain of the Music Halls', Edgar and Morgan Duettists and Dancers, Miss Lilly Burnand Popular London Star, The Korries in Their Cunning, refined and Clever Entertainment, 'Le Jardin de Musique', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Alf Asher Comedian and Dancer, Dan Idle Thinnest Man in the World, The O’Malleys Irish Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 24 September 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.56
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Evans and Luxmore Musical Comedy Team, Miss Louie Cassatti Tyrolean Operatic Ballad Vocalist, The Boston Twins Comedians, Burlesque Boxers and Pantomimists, Miss Lily May Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Walter Rignold Comedian, The American sisters Duettists, vocalists and Dancers, Miss Lydia Dudley Vocalist and Dancer, Mr James Taylor Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and purple type.

Dates: 10 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.57
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hulines Musical Clowns, Mr Edward Crime Famous Basso, Vosper King of Necromancers and Mimics, The Lyric Glee Singers, Mssrs C. Aspinall, G. Raper, W.H. Atkinson and E. Grime, Miss May Irving Serio Comedienne, Brothers Douglas Risley Performers and Acrobats, Mr Jim Woods Comedian, Messrs. Ryan and Hall Chinese Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 31 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 February 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.58
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Messrs. Ardel and the Brothers Donaldson in Pantomime Sketch Scenes at the Zoo, Leslie Merrie Serio comic and Ballad Vocalist, Mr. Leonard Palmer the Musical Officer of the Musical Palmers in an amusing Military Monologue 'Lively after Parade', Lillie Sweeney Song and Dance Artists and Lady Side-Drummer, Nat Clifford The Rapidly Rising Star Comedian and Dancer, Arthur Picardo Character Comedian and Expert Dancer, The McConnell Family Premier...
Dates: 4 February 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.63
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Quinns in Clever Absurdity, 'Baby the Judge', Madeline May Burlesque Actress and Skipping Rope Dancer, Mr George Kingston Eccentric Comedian, Mad’lle Fulton operatic and Ballad Vocalist, Mrs. Butler Stanhope accompanied by Master Ottwell and Miss Lalla Stanhope in their Laughable Sketch, 'A Husband for Twenty Minutes', Musical Minim (Gertrude) Vocalist and refined Musical Artiste, Raymond Synnott Vocal Comedian, Messrs. Newman and Downes...
Dates: 29 July 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 September 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.72
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Mille Hylton Comedienne and burlesque actress, Engist and Orsa Mirth and Music, Daisy De Roy Burlesque Actress and Tyrolean Actress, J.P. Curlett Irish Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Ethel Lindon Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Dodd and Dudd Sketch Shows, Carl Ostend Female Impersonator, Katie Eplett Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, P. O’Brien Irish Comedian, Drew and Alders Singing, Tumbling and Dancing. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 21 September 1896

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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.87
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack 'rumps'Doyle and his Aces of Rhythm with Joe Ferrie and Nino Monti in Hot Music, Hatton and Manners Comedians, Two Rascals Entertainers and a Piano, Jack Henry Whistling Comedian, Michael Moore Impressionist, Marie and Jose Anderson Dancers, Buddy Clarke with Mum and Dad Novelty, Fred Culpitt Conjuror, Gulliver and his 7 dwarfs Burlesque Comedians. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type

Dates: 15 January 1940

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  • Subject: Musical performances X

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