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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 42 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.158
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mark Sheridan Comedian, Marguerite Broadfoot Comedienne and Vocalist, Malcolm Scott Comic Philosophy, Albert Le Fre Comedian, Pantomimist and Dancer, Frazer and Mac in Rich Rare and Racy Gems of Thought, Victor Travers Burlesque Coon Comedian, Sisters Warner Acrobatic Dancers, Mack Olive The Clever Siffleur, Cissy Curlette Comedienne and Mimic, Bob Hutt Comedian, The Bioscope, The Mozondos Eccentric Acrobatics and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 April 1905

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, 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, 11 December 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.203
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Messrs. M. Montgomery and E.C. Jazon Presents Jazon’s Grand Comic Pantomime Cinderella, Speciality Act, Kioto, The Marvellous Jap, Kinemacolor the only existing Steroescopic Life motion pictures. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 December 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.306
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 6 Brothers Luck in new Pantomimic Absurdity 'The Hermit', Animated Photographs of General Buller and the C.I.V’s. return to England Produced by the Royal Bioscope, The Dorrells Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Charles Seel Comedian, Martha Gymnast, Maude Needham Serio Comic and Ballad Vocalist, T.W. Barrett The Nobleman’s Son, Marion Keats Serio Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 November 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.317
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Kokin the Beau Brummel of juggling from the Flowery Kingdom, Rumbo Austin and his comic Nippers, Mays and Hunter the premier American Banjo Experts, Tom Stuart mimic, Mignonette character chanteuse and Danseuse Eccentrique, Cyrus Dare society humourist and Imitator of Funny Children, Lida Dunlo Serio comic vocalist and dancer, T.C. Callaghan Character comedian, Florrie St. Clair Serio and descriptive Vocalist, Haig and Haig knockabout comedy, The...
Dates: 7 January 1901

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.322
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Stockwell comedian, The Mays Duettists, Pantomimists and Speciality Dancers, The Jackson Family! musicians, Ferris and Farnley comedians, vocalists and dancers, Baby Loftus child actress and vocalist, Gus Hindell character comedian and mimic, Lindon and Russell the comedy girls, Tom Lloyd quaint eccentric comedy. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 21 August 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 November 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.324
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Moras in their novel and Laughable, Pantomimic Three bar Sketch, Lilia Roze Burlesque Actress, Austin Rudd Character Comedian, Marie Kendall Comedienne, Cyrus Dare Clever Society Entertainer, Ryder Slone Character Comedian, Eva Euston Serio comic vocalist and Dancer, Steve M’Carthy Character Comedian, Animated Photos. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue, yellow and green type.

Dates: 27 November 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 February 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.220
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lipinski’s 40 Dog Comedians, A Wonderful Animal Pantomime, Arthur Lennard Actor-Vocalist, J.W. Wilson and Nellie Waring Comedy Duo, Gipsy Woolf and Girls Including Doff Dee in Musical Scene, 'Jimmy Valentine’s Pat!', Billy Simpson Comedian, Stacey and Williams Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Thornton and Emma Wagner American Vocalist and Instrumental Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 February 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 September 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.231
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ella Retford Comedienne, Bay Russell Comedian, Musical Comedy, Rosei Archer humorous Songs and Sketches at the Piano, Mr and Mrs Harold Finden Sketch Artistes, The Evans and Alton Troupe Comedy Acrobatics and Pantomimists, Fred Emney and Louie Tinsley in Episode Entitled, 'A Sister to Assist Her', Palette’s Novel Performing Dogs, Arthur C. Clifton Versatile Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Latest War Pictures, Yamamoto and Koyoshi Japanese...
Dates: 28 September 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 October 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.232
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Graves Comedian in 'Koffo of Bond Street', Nora Delany Liverpool Pantomime Idol, The Four Curtis’s Dancing Act, The Three Comerfords Comedy, Bertha De Pas Character Comedienne and Dancer, Syd Moorhouse Novelty Vocal Act, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Latest War Pictures, Victor Kelly Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 October 1914

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, 8 November 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.273
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jay Laurier Comedian, Susie Marney Chorus Comedienne, Roxy La Rocca Wizard of the Harp, Pauline Travis Male Impersonator, Walton and Lester Burlesque Creations, Evelyn Bergin Comedienne, The Joannys Miniature Shadow Pantomime, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Cecil and Ian Law Piano and Violin. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 November 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 February 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.167
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Whittle Comedian, Collinson’s Topsy Turvey School, Walter Munroe Irish Comedian, Lyons Trio Pantomimists and Dancers, Mr. C. American Raconteur, Three sisters Grosvenor Singers of Popular Melodies, Tom Maxwell and Virginia Frances Comedy Act, Maud Courtney American Girl, The Royal Bioscope, Nellie Christie Negro Character Comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 18 February 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.1
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. Fillis’ South African Dogs, The Mannons Renowned Pantomimists, Valrose Serio-Comic Vocalist, Adolph Faue Wire Equilibrist and Expert Tumbler, Miss Ailsa Cairns Serio-Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Mr Alec Burnard Comedian, Author and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Harry Zetter Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Mr Walter Pussord The Great Necromancer and Patterer of the Day, assisted by Mr Sydney Lee. Monday Next, Tennyson and Gorman. Green type on off white background. Printed by S....
Dates: Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.4
Scope and Contents Birkenhead. George Power Comedian, Mr Harry Shaw Musical Eccentric Comedian, Miss Marion Lena Characteristic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Harry Barker Descriptive Vocal Actor, The Watsons Irish Comedy Entertainers, Miss Marie Kean Burlesque Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Robert J, Carroll Comedian, Author and Dancer, Mildred Cohen Vocalist, Norton Prestidgitateur Seeing Is Believing, Carl Howlett’s Royal Improved Marionette Pantomime. Green and red type on off white background. Printed by S Griffith...
Dates: Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892

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 28 August 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R27.237
Scope and Contents

Birkenhead. Saker Harlow Trio! Continental Eccentrics, James Dubois, ‘Pongo’ the man monkey, gymnastic, entertainment, Letta and Minnie, Florence Chester Queen of African Coon and descriptive vocalist, Rose Conroy Serio-comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Gus Harris vocal character comedian, Lily Lever ballad and descriptive vocalist, Ryan and Hal L-pantomimic act. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.

Dates: Week commencing Monday 28 August 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

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  • Subject: Pantomime X

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Type
Archival Object 40
Collection 2
 
Subject
Acrobats 8
Aerialists 3
Animal trainers 4
Animals 12
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 2