Skip to main content

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 358 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 Poster 23 May 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster

 Digital Image
Reference code: 178-r012-024
Dates: 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 March 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.283
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Lancashire Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Ford and Lewis, the Two Navy Cuts, James Hunter Society Raconteur, Carvet and Verena Dancers, Bay Russell and Sophie Forrest In Musical trifle, 'Outed', Cinders and a Spark Vocal Scena, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 7 March 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.284
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hilda Glyder, Wal Langtry Comedian, Bob Thomas Presents The Royal Viona Quartette Classical and Jazz Banjoists, Jim C. Max Coon Songs and Dances, Keith and Joan Dingley Presenting The Waif’s Waif, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Frank Varney and Teddie Butt in Mirthful Stunts. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 April 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.285
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Weldon Burlesque Character Comedian, Phil and Phlora Acrobatic and Dancing Humoresque, Bert Terrell Dutch Comedian, Eileen Audrey Comedienne, Warnock-Wick Trio Irish Comedy Sketch, George Murphy Fun in a Billiard Room, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ackroyd Flautist and Rose Hardy Harpiste. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 April 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.292
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gresham Singers, Brandon and Smith The Chocolate Drop and the Ink Spot, Elsie Southgate Assisted by Victor Gould Violinist, Frank Street Comedian, Connie Browning Revue Artiste and Some Songs, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Nora Dale Comedienne and Dancer, The Flemings Presenting Artistic Creations in Alabaster. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 September 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.293
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rungamah Somnambulastic Visions, Alfredo Vagabond Violinist, J.H. Scotland Opera Voice, Gerbola Trio Italian Comedy Acrobatic and Tumbling Act, Wilf Burnand Character Comedian, Sisters Martin Harmony Duo, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Fred Kitchen Presents the Beswick Twins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 September 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 October 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.294
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Peter Pariss Plaintive Comedy, Vanny Chard Welsh Songstress, The Three Walkers Musical Equilibrists, Louis J. Seymour Comedy Artiste, Diana Dain, Tom and Nell Knockabout Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Gladys Wright and John Hartley in 'Songs Sung Differently'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 October 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.295
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell the Irish Entertainer, Gaston Palmer Juggling Comedian, Harry Ford Comedian, The Martinis Ballroom Dancers, Will Gardiner Comedian, Sisters Gannon Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joseph P. Nolan presents Billy Morris Boxing Display. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 November 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.296
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wish Wynne Comedy Songs and Character Sketches, Pierce and Roslyn A Whirl Of Melody, Paul Thompson in a Vaudeville 'Pick-Me-Up', Gladys Simmonds Soprano, Tom Lee, With and Without a Piano, Tambo and Tambo Tambourines, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, John Barton and Annie Ashley In Comedy Sketch, "Back to Earth". Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 December 1921