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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 of Varieties Poster, 25 January 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.600
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vonare Lady contortionist, Violet Reefern Serio and descriptive dancer, The Two Howes comedians and dancers, Harry Stennet transatlantic performer, Fred Harrington Anglo-Dutch Milanese piper and ballad vocalist, May Oliver Anglo-American soubrette, Olvene and Nestal trapeze artists, Master Charl prince of the silver wire, Nellie Gertie, The Minims grand instrumental Speciality. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and red type.

Dates: 25 January 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 October 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.134
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Poluski Brothers (Will and Sam) In a New and Original Entertainment, Tom and Mario Motramo Musical Comedy Team, The 2 Weirs Duettists and Dancers, Bob Hutt Eccentric Comedian, The British Quartette, John Bull, Sandy, Pat and Taffy Glee Singers, Gerald Mount descriptive Vocalist, Maude Mortimer Descriptive Character Vocalist, Sisters Govell Duetists and Dancers, De Dio Allegorical Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool.

Dates: 27 October 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.138
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Kindergarten in a Christmas Entertainment, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Jack and Evelyn Duettists, Vocalist and Dancers, Orpheus Musical Speciality Artiste, George Prince Eccentric Character Comedian, Ethel White Coon Songstress, Lily Lever Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Tom Eno Clever Comedian and Mimic, Sydney George Juvenile Actor Vocalist, Angelo Artistic Modeller in Clay. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue,...
Dates: 29 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.140
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morrell and Evans Mirth, Melody and Music, The Bohemians Musical Comedy Artistes, Willie Benn Comedian and Pianist, Nat Travers Coster Comedian, Park’s Eton Boys Vocal Entertainment, Tom Lloyd Comedian, Michael Nolan Irish Comedian, Katie Weston Comedienne and Coon, Impersonator, The Warlocks Comedians and Dancers, Royal Bioscope including The Imperial Durbar at Delhi, 1903, The Burnells-Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 16 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 September 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.154
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gothams in 'Miss Green!', Musical Comedy, Mark Melford and Company in their Popular Sketch, 'Non Suited!', The Mannons in Pantomimic Sketch 'Uncle Yank’s Mishaps!', Billy Ross and Co. Including Miss Hilda Brandon in their Comedy, Sketch 'The Hot Member!', Rich and Rich Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Harry Wright Extempore Vocalist, Nellie Gannon Vocalist and Dancer, The 2 Stars Duettists and Dancers, Charles Fanning Australian Comedian. Printed...
Dates: 12 September 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 March 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.157
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Sweet Famous American Musical Burglar, W.J. Churchill 'Uncle Willie' Eccentric Comedian, Fred Poplar Comedian, The New Macs Knockabout Comedians, Jock Whitford Scottish Comedian, May Queen Milburn Comedienne and Dancer, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancer, Kitty Wager Burlesque Actress, The Bioscope, The 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type. .

Dates: 27 March 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.159
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lil Hawthorne American Comedienne, Happy Fanny Fields American Dutch Girl, Brown and Robinson, The Bohemians Musical and Comedy Speciality Team, Gertie Gitana in Her Original Scena 'A School Girl’s Holiday', Connor and Brady Inventors of Burlesque Absurdities, Ben Albert Comedian, Edie Madison Comedienne and Dancer, The Three Missouris, Captain Kettle and His Mates, Including Champion Wrestlers Vaseline and Madratski. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 10 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.164
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. R.A.Roberts, Protean Actor in 'Dick Turpin', Will Van Allen Musical Dummy, Silent Tait Eccentric Wizard, Williams and Brown Cross-Talk Comedians, Charles Coverdale Comedian, Amy Donna Coon Vocalist and Dancer, Dion Wade Comedian and Mimic, Percy Honri Music, Song and Story. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.166
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hill and Whittaker Harp, Banjo and Songs, New York Nippers Juvenile Entertainment, Nelly Farrell, Our Nell, Glittering Star of Erin, Henry Hallam and Josephine Stanton In Comedy Sketch, 'A Broken Journey', The Lovelaces American Song Illustrators, Freda Spry and B.S. Monti in 'The Dandy Guardsman', Sisters Marion Juvenile Duettists, The Royal Bioscope, Fred Keeton Comedian, W.J. Ashcroft Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 7 January 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 January 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.174
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Beaumont Collins and West-End Company in 'The Leaves Of Memory', Fred Edwards and Company Including Bertha Northam In Laughable Episode Kleptomaniacs, Andy McLeod Comedian, Raconteur and Instrumentalist, The Three Orleans Harmony and Dancing, Mark Leslie, The Swell Coon Songs and Dances, Davis and Dean Comedians and Shadow Dancers, Bessie Lind Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Cassie Walmer Contralto and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 January 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 September 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.181
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox American Hebrew Comedians, J.P. Ling Comedian and Mimic, Lillie Lassah Comedienne and Cancer, Ike and Will Scott Comic Duettists and Dancers, Arthur Woodville Light Comedian and Expert Dancer, Otto and Olga Musical Comedy Act, Nora Stockelle Comedienne, Victor Travers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Mooney and Holbein Vaudeville Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 September 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, 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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 February 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.190
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. King and Benson Comedy Act, The Four Athos Acrobats and Ball Manipulators, Russell and Held American Singing and Dancing Act, Jock McNeil Scotch Comedian and Novelty Dancer, Henry J. Harper’s Clifton Banjo Party, Pop Dearly Coon Delineator, Cissie Lupino Character Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Tom Stuart Burlesque Impressions, Roze and Calvert Comedy Act, Special Cine Matinees Every Monday and Thursday. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 6 February 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 April 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.192
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Maide Scott Comedienne, The Six Colbergs Musical Speciality, Jack Warman Comedian, Talbot and Pearce Musical Comedy, Albert Rees Vocalist, Linn and Darius Instrumental and Vocal Speciality, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Heather Belle Scotch Character Vocalist, Harry Freeman Comedian, John G. Brandon and Company Present 'The Dragon’s Claw!'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 17 April 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 May 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.195
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana, Gene Morelle Ragged Virtuoso, Ted Curtis and Co. Vocal, Comedy and Speciality Dancing Act, Carina Sisters Musical Act, Josh Dixon Comedian and Dancer, Mabel Thorne Comedienne, Fred A Jeffs Irish Humorist, Harry Simms Light Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Phil Bransby Comedian, John Henderson and Company Including Millie Henderson in 'Under The Maple Leaf'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 May 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 May 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.196
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Ascots Dancers, Marie Schulz Assisted by Harry Collman at the Piano, Ed.E. Ford introducing latest Chorus Craze, 'We’re All Growing Older and Older', Carlotta Levey Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Edgar Curtis, The Human Marionette, Rosa Bartlett Male Impersonator, Lawrence Barclay Character Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Lyons and Cullum American Variety. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 May 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 September 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.197
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Whittle, Daisy Wood Burlesque Actress and Comedienne, The Gascoignes Jugglers and Their Dog Bertha, Lulu Russel Californian Singer, Lyons Trio Pantomimic Novelty, Bertha De Pas Comedienne, Alec Kendal Comedian, Olga, Elga and Eli Hudson Musical Act, Kinemacolor The Only Existing Steroescopic Life Motion Pictures. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 September 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 November 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.201
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hedges Brothers and Jacobson American Vaudeville Team, Cruikshank Songs, Cello and Banjo, Ida Re’vell Comedienne, Minnie Leslie and Edgar Stevens in 'Love Levels All', Rich and Rich Comedians, Elsie Roby the Pianologedienne, Teddy Day Comedian, Daisy Taylor Scotch Comedienne and Dancer, Charles Norton Comedian, Kinemacolor The Only Existing Steroescopic Life Motion Pictures. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 6 November 1911

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