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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 358 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.125
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, The Seven Savonas Gigantic Fairyland of Electric Lights, Musical act, Marie French Burlesque Actress, Charles Pastor The Laughing Philosopher, Regan and Ryan Knockabout Comedy Exponent, Robb Gillmore Comic Posturer, Senorita Eloina Clever Gymnast, Jas. Grant The Character Comedian, Royal Bioscope Animated War Pictures, Nellie Christie 'delineator of Coon Songs', 'W.F.Frame is Coming'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 7 May 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 May 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.126
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Will H. Fox Comedian in Famous Paderewski Burlesque Paddywhiski", Lily Marney Vocalist, Eno Mimic, Harry Rose Character Comedian, Clarence and Bell Knockabout Comedy Team, Kitty Raybourn Serio Comedian and Dancer, The American Bioscope Will Show Views of the Queen’s Visit To, Dublin and the Latest War Pictures, Jesse Burton Baritone and Descriptive Vocalist, Alaska and Olrac Knockabout Horizontal Bar Experts. Monday Next, WF Frame. Printed by S....
Dates: 14 May 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 August 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.127
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Grand Re-Opening!, Harry Atkinson Imitator of Musical Instruments, Austin Rudd Comedian Griff Equilibristic Cynic, Minnie Cunningham Comedienne and Dancer, Bennett and Martell Clever Legmania Comedians, Sisters Emerald Duettists, Vocalists and Expert Dancers, The Royal Bioscope Showing Animated Photos of the China and South African Wars, Munro and O’Toole Eccentric Duettists and Dancers, Lelia Roze Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates: 6 August 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.128
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, typeers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 November 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.129
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Signor Pepi Italy’s Greatest Quick Change Artist, Animated Photographs of Lord Roberts’ Return Produced by the B.B.and R. Royal Bioscope Company, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Egyptian Princess Cleopatra Serpent Enchantress, Emma Don Character Comedienne, Collins and Rice American Comedy Vocalist and Dancers, Barton Howard The Human Gramophone, Dora Lyric Burlesque Actress, R.W. Bentley Character Comedian, Boswell’s Novel Stage Circus with Educated...
Dates: 14 January 1901

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.130
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Mysterious Lilith introduced by Professor Fred Harcourt, the Marvellous Magician, Rawson and June Australian Boomerang Throwers, The Saxon Trio Strong Men, Mike Whallen Raconteur and Extempore Vocalist, Lillian Warren In Her Novel Vocal Pictures, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Violet Wilton Comedienne and Dancer, Frank Coyle Character Comedian, Carl Nobel Danish Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow...
Dates: 20 January 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 February 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.131
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in Their Amusing and Laughter Provoking Kindergarten, The Bohemians Musical Comedy, Cora Casselli Italian Dancer, The Jetneys the Apollos of Darktown Aristocracy, Sisters Russell Duettists and Dancers, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Rose Conroy Serio Comedienne, M. Dell Conjuror and Illusionist, Lachie Thompson’s Top weights Musical Acts, Frantz Family-Lady and Gentlemen Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 17 February 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 June 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.132
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Abel and Welsh Clever Grotesque Eccentrics, George White’s Arabs, Royal Bioscope Carnival Procession in Birkenhead and Other Scenes Taken Saturday 21st June, 1902, Spriggs and Grundy Comedians and Dancers, The Musical Scena '20 minutes in Venice', Alf Levarini Wire Act, The Rozells Knockabout Triple Bar Performers, Lily Curries Descriptive Vocalist, Woodbee Wonders, Grand Coronation March Played by the Argyle Orchestra Under the Direction of...
Dates: 30 June 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 March 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.208
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wee Georgie Wood in 'Baby in India', Beaumont Collins, Renowned Actress, and West-End London, Company in Domestic Comedy Sketch, 'Bed-Fellows', Mary Mars in Scena 'In the Shadow of the Pyramids', Phil Rees’ Stable Lads in 'After the trial', Tom E. Dean Comedian, Nellie Lewis Chorus Songster, Jack W. Brooke Yorkshire Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Cosgrove and Burns Comedy Duettists, J.P. Ling in Laughable Burlesque. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 March 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 April 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.209
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Dorothy Ward Principal Boy and Musical Comedy Artiste, Shaun Glenville Comedian, Mrs. Walder Wallis Presents the 6 Puritan Maids in Vocal And Instrumental Entertainment, Torino American jugglers, J.H. Wakefield Coon Character Delineator, Jenny and Joe Comedy Songs and Neat Dances, The Mannings Acrobatic and Equilibristic Display, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Lyres (H.L. Harvey, F.C.Henderson and S.B. Lewis) American Comedy Musical Trio. Printed...
Dates: 7 April 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 April 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.210
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Conrad and Whidden American Ragtime, Charles Norton Mimetic Comedian, The Rawsons Musical Entertainers, Sisters Marion Popular Duettists, Dave Carter Irish Tenor, Evelyn Bergen Vocalist and Dancer, The Westwoods Cycle Act, Lawrence Barclay Character Comedian, O’Gorman Bros. Clever Songs and Neat Dances, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Adam Tomlinson Tyneside Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 April 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.211
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Willette Whitaker Vocalist Assisted by F. Wilbur Hill, Valazzi Juggler, Pedipulator and Aviator, Carr’s Juvenile American Ragtime Octette, Stacey and Williams In Their Drawing Room Interlude, Beatrice Allen Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Bella Chevaux Sporano Vocalist, Shirley and Ransome In Their Episode of Coster Life, 'The Seperation Order', George D’Albert Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.212
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Original Rab and Teenie in 'Bunty Pulls the Strings', George Tawde and Eva McRoberts in Scotch Comedy 'Elder’s Hours', Mike S. Whallen Extempore and Rapid Fire Humorist, Cissie Curlette Comedienne, The Three Its (Ciss, Will and Fred) Vocalists and Dancers, Blake and Granby Comedy Duologue, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Dales Vocal and Instrumental Speciality, Miss Frances McNulty Song Dance and Costume, Marny Cash Quaint Comedian. Printed by...
Dates: 9 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.213
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Two Coleys American Black-Faced Team, Daisy Stirling, 'the Versatile Girl', Ernest Krake and Company of Comedians, Jock Mills Scotch Character Comedian, Gwinnie Llewellyn Vocalist, Harvey Boys Patter Comedians in Comedy and Boxing Sketch, 'The Was Me', Mark Stuart Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Keltons Instrumentalists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 July 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.214
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Clarice Mayne and her Pianist, Jack Edge Lancashire Comedian, Victorine and Manelli Vocal and Instrumental Entertainment, The Brennans Duettists and Clog Dancers, Albert Rees Entertainer at the Piano, Bob and Jennie Leonard Comedy, Bert Earle Jumping and Dancing Act, Betty Boden Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Goldsmith and Hoppe American Comedy Team. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 7 July 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 July 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.215
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Aubrey Fitzgerald and Frank Hill in Farce 'Getting the Bird', Wal Langtry Comedian, Rathskellar Trio (Mitchell, Wells and Lewis) Piano, Laughter and Song, 8 Seaside Girls Vocalists and Dancers, Nita Crystal and Geoffrey Saville in 'Early Closing Night', Rose Cambry Comedienne, Sisters Allen Dainty Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, A.D. Robbins and his Co. Cycle Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 July 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 September 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.216
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Aubrey Fitzgerald and Frank Hill in Farce 'Getting the Bird', Horace Hunter and Company Including Miss Lily Hammersley in 'The Years Between', Alec Hurley Character and Coster Comedian, The Three Rascals (Charles, Monty and Walter) American Vaudeville, Alick Lauder Scottish Character Songs, Estelle Collette Young Violinist, Milner and Storey, Bert Rayburn Quaint Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Edson and his Wonderful Dog Doc. Printed by S....
Dates: 29 September 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.217
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Two Bobs (Bob Adams and Bob Alden) song and comedy, Maide Scott Comedienne, H.O. Wills Comedian, The Kebbles Duettists, Julian Mack The Topical Talker, Roma and Roman Classical Musicians, Billy Hobbs Coon Impersonator, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Little Freddie Hackin Boy Quick Change Artist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 3 November 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 December 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.218
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Mozart Comedian, The Record Quartette South African Novelty Banjo Act, J.H. Wakefield Coon delineator, Prue Purl Entertainer, Harold Baker, Carter Livesey and Lillian Roseberry Comedy Sketch, Freda Waring Vocal Comedienne, Lorenz Four Vocalists and Acrobatic Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Woody, Wood and Wells Acrobatic Absurdity. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 December 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 January 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.219
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Constance Drever with Mr Victor Marmont at the Piano, Mann and Franks Singing Comedy Act, Murfayne Xylophone King, Elsie Kerry Comedienne, Christie Duo Comedy and Dancing Team, Farrer and Griffiths’ Merry Mascots Vaudeville, Fred Evans in Original Burlesque, "Dreams of Oliver Twist", Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Jack Thomas Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 January 1914

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 353
Collection 2
Digital Record 3
 
Subject
Acrobats 63
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 41
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3