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 8 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

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

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

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1897

Item

Reference code: 178R12.115

Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Don Juan Caicedo Colombian Marvel and King of the Wire, George Spry and Florrie Austin Comedy Act, J.W.Hall Yorkshire Comic, Kavados Expert Juggler and Cannon Ball Manipulator, Rosie Coleman Serio Comic Vocalist and Expert Dancer, Sisters Poole Speciality Artistes, Vocalists and Dancers, Flo Melville Serio Comedian and Dancer, Corty Brothers horizontal Bar Performers and Burlesque Wrestlers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and...

Dates: 6 September 1897

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 August 1896

Item

Reference code: 178R12.70

Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in 'Scenes at the Zoo!', Mr J.W. Hall Yorkshire Comic, Amy Lawrence Soubrette and Speciality Danseuse, Jas. Brady Vocal Joker, Mr Joe Cheevers Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer Rose Sylvester Vocalist and Dancer, R.W. Bentley Dutch and Character Comedian and Soft-shoe Dancer, Palles and Cussick Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Burlesque, Boxers and Wrestlers. Monday next, Herbert Campbell. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...

Dates: 31 August 1896

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection / Posters

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

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive

Posters, c1887 - 2010

Series

Reference code: 178R27

Scope and Contents

Circus, variety, pantomime and magic posters including Argyle theatre, Liverpool Empire, Blackpool Tower Circus, Robert Brothers, Austen Brothers, Sorcar, Vesta Tilley, Ken Dodd, Dan Leno, Florrie Forde and others.

Dates: c1887 - 2010

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Cyril Critchlow Collection

Posters, c1880 - 1940

Series

Reference code: 178R12

Scope and Contents

Large collection of Argyle Theatre posters.

Dates: c1880 - 1940

Found in: National Fairground and Circus Archive / Argyle Theatre Collection

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Argyle Theatre of Varieties (c1868 - 1945)

Dates

Biography

Found in 8 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre Collection

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 August 1896

Cyril Critchlow Collection

Posters, c1887 - 2010

Posters, c1880 - 1940

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