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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 351 Collections and/or Records:

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, 5 June 1933

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.308
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Critchton Boys and Beryl Evetts a Novelty, Singers, Dancers and Instrumentalists, A.J. Powers Burlesque Scots Comedian, Mitchell and Peru comedy acrobats, Holson and Bert dancing comedians, Daly Sisters and Marr, Casa and Nova crazy dancers, Hal Miller vocal jester, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Ware and Ryan, new comedy team. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Black and red type.

Dates: 5 June 1933

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.309
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead . Woodward’s Wonderful Performing Sea Lions and Seals, Musicians, actors, mimics, comedians and singers, Introducing Leo, the Monstre North Pole juggler, balancer and Equilibrist, Richard H. Douglass comedian and entertainer, Captain Slingsby ventriloquist expert, Chas. Seel comedian and dancer, Cribb and Cribb acrobatic Eccentrics, Maude Needham serio comedienne, The Royal Bioscope, Harry Glynn’s Comic Sketch Team, American Comedy Four. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 November 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.310
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Astley’s American Circus, Lily Marney character comedienne, Jack and Evelyn song and dance, Lilian Lowe ballad and descriptive vocalist, E.J. Sheldon comedian whislter and dancer, Brothers Adderley duettists and mimics, Arthur Gilbert character comedian, Manning’s Entertainers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 11 December 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.311
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Noni and Partner French clown, Reg Bolton Comedian, Miss Ellis Drake and Company in New Scotch Playlet 'Oh Mother', Dolly Victorian and Assistant trick cyclist, Thornley Dodge skits, songs and sketches, Dainty Doris Comedienne, Sisters Fraser vocalists and dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Susie Marney comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 18 November 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.312
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Haley’s Juveniles in a beautiful Christmas Scena, Cecil Baumer pianiste, Constance Izard Violinist, Fredk. Allen baritone, Costa and George comedy bar act, Lily O’Gara contralto vocalist, Dene Dunlop comedian, May Renter vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Hart and O’Brian eccentrique and the Canadian Johnny. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 20 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.313
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Verno and Voyce in their sporting, topical and dramatic successes, Charles R. Whittle comedian, The Violas, the White Mahatmas in an exhibition of mental telegraphy, The Knick Knacks comedy and speciality dancers, Charley Harvey in comedy 'The Broken Statue', Lily Turner comedienne. Jules Keller human enigma, Slade Murray actor, vocalist and comedian, Palles and Cussick laughter provoking comedians, The Bioscope, Hanco handcuff manipulator and jail...
Dates: 12 December 1904

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, 18 February 1924

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.318
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Barnes Light comedy star, Eric Godley and Leslie Elliott Baritone and piano, The Pall-Malls Artistic Comedy Absurdities, Jack Edwin comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Famous Four Christies acrobatic dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 18 February 1924

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.319
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike Whallen The Comet with Many Tales, Tom Costello Poor Old Clown, Neil Kenyon The Scotsman and His Pack, The Two Graces Duettists and Dancers, Walker and Lake New Comedians and Popular Patter Purveyers, Geo. Antill Evening Shadow Comedian, Mdlle. Du Roche Operatic Soprano Vocalist, Norman Leonard Trio Musical Sketch Players. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 14 August 1905

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

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