Argyle Theatre of Varieties (c1868 - 1945)
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, 24 January 1921
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vernon Watson Entertainer and Mimic, Terry Wilson Comedy Star, Lune and Shaw Comedy Character Act, The Hadens Singers and Continental Dancers, Albert and Rogers New Zealand’s Premier Artistes, Tom Lee with and without a Piano, Wee Dorothy Dodd Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Hinsle Comedian Illusionist. Blue and red type
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 February 1921
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Mayne The Simple One, Larkum Brothers Comedy Duo, The Kitchen Comedy Four Featuring Bella Moody, Woolven Trio in Melodies Old and New, Tom Rees Entertaining Irishman, Frances Kinders Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Jean Andrews soprano. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 February 1921
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey, Lue Joyce, De Busse Piano-Accordionist, Wells and Nash Comedians and Dancers, Dan Whitley Comic, Nelli Nora Instrumental Speciality, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Renee and Godfrey Girl and Boy Dancers. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 November 1914
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Staley’s Transformation Act, The Musical Coopers, Robb Wilton Confidential Comedian, Alexandre and Hughes Musical Comedians, Edna Payne Violinist, The Holsons Comedians and Dancers, William Anderson Operatic Basso, Kitty Clinton Versatile Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Latest War Pictures, Tom E. Finglass The Original Cowboy Coon. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 January 1916
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian, The 3 Scamps American Speed Boys and a Piano, Harry Hudson in Pianohumour, Ena Dayne Juvenile Comedienne, Brooklyn Comedy 4, Royce Babs and Royce Singing and Dancing Act, Albert Letine Burlesque Impersonations, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Nicol and Martin Comedy Cycling Act, The 7 Bramusas Brass Band Extravaganza. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 January 1916
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 January 1916
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 March 1916
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn in Their Latest Success, 'Carry On', Tom Hearn, the Lazy Juggler, Keir and Kempton Scotch Vocal Duo, Pynkie Whyte Californian Comedy, Harry Levaine Character Comedian, Harry Wenburn Comedian, P.J. Gillen and Company In Comedy Sketch, Rogers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Ruby Roya, a Radiant Personality. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 September 1916
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana, Tom Purslow Burlesque Operatic Comedian, Fuji Family Japanese Jugglers and Equilibrists, George D’Albert Versatile Comedian, Frances and Alfred Juggler, Ivy Hurley Singer and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Wilbert Gamble Comedian, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians. Printed: None given but probably S Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 March 1917
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams in Selections From His Wonderful Repertoire, Ernie Ream and his Baby Grand, Duncan and Godfrey Comedy, Ford and Truly Variety, Dolly Ross Chorus Comedienne, Bruce and Iris Clare Humorous Entertainers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showin ‘Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Sam Stern Character Comedian. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 July 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell Witty Songs and Stories, The Piccadilians (Jessie, Estelle and Juliette) Musical Act, Babusio and Dax Comedy Acrobats and Tumblers, Jim C. Max in a Medley of Coon Songs and Dances, Gaye Gordon Comedienne, Royal Kondo Japanese Foot Juggler, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Latest War News in Animation, Molly Wells Chic Comedienne Assisted by Frank Mayban Some Bookworm Damage. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 July 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Coram and the New Recruit Jerry in Ventriloquial Scena, The Quaint Q’s Comedy, Glee songs and Novel Dance, Zetta Mor Comedienne, Frank Powell Character, Patter Comedian, Vera Caine Athletic Girl, J.B. Strain Irish Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-Showing Latest War News in Animation, Suther One Man Musical Revue. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Maidie Scott Comedienne, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians, Herbert La Martine Dancer, Harold Baker Eccentric Comedian, Jackson and Marte Comedians, Ivy Hurley Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Gomez Trio Vocal and Instrumentalist Scena. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 August 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wilkie Bard Comedian, J.H. Scotland Song and Comedy, Woodward and Page Cycling, Music and Dancing, Les Altos Equilibristic Act, Sara Rosebury, the Lively Lancashire Lass, Marie and Rubie O’Rourke Musical Comedy and Dancing, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-Showing Latest War News in Animation John Lester’s Frisco 5, the Jollities of Jazz. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 August 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Margaret Cooper and a Piano, Billy Housini and Company Comedy Juggling and Balancing Act, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Brothers Curran Boxing Comedians, Hayes and Doree Comedy Duo, Sisters Gaye Comediennes and Speciality Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, May Sherrard Comedienne. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 August 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Westminster Singers Male Voice Quartette, Marcelle and his Unique Partner, a Sea Lion, George Wilby Expressionist and Mimic, The Kitchen Comedy Four, Josephine Langley Ventriloquist, Sisters Gannon Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, G.S. Melvin Versatile Scot. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 September 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Lotinga in New Comedy Sketch 'Wanted A Wife', Fred Barnes incomparable Artiste, The Pigquays and Imp American Novelty Artistes, Delany and Dean Vocal, Comedy and Dancing, Marjorie Fulton Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Rich Hayes Clown, Daisy Taylor-Scotch Comedienne. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1918
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Graves and Company in 'Koffo, of Bond Street', Tom E. Hughes, Edna Lyall Soprano Vocalist, Roelgin’s Parrots Performing Bird Act, Jaffa Conjoring Comic, Gwennie Morgan Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, George Hatton Presents The Bell-Hattons a Refined Musical Act. Blue and red type.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 September 1918
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.
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 September 1918
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.
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