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 of Varieties Poster, 11 January 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.75
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Daisy Mayer American Comedian, Coon Impersonator and Sand Dancer, Mr T. B. Fayme Eccentric Character Comedian, Miss Ella Stuart in Her Magnificent act Gymnastique de Salon, Escamo Slight of Hand Performer and Humorist, The Three Sisters Maynard Singers and Dancers, Messrs Howard and Paul Musical entertainers and Eccentric Comedians, Mr Arthur Ismay Comedian, Vocalist and Mimic, Mr Frank Adams Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, The Brothers Dare...
Dates: 11 January 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 February 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.76
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Rixfords Musical Equilibrists, Mr Edward Ind Vocal Comedian, The Welsh Glee Quartette, Mr Sam Jesson Eccentric Comedian, Miss Agnes Hazel Serio Comedienne, Harry Calpin Character Comedian, Miss Rosie Coleman Serio Comic Vocalist and Expert Dancer, Fred Spencer Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Ina Corrella Serio and Descriptive Vocalist, Jean Seul the Indian Mystery. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 1 February 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 March 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.77
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Vocalists, Austin Rudd Vocalist, Will Mitcham Vocalist and Instrumentalist, Miss Ada Alexandra 'The Dutch Girl' and Her Company of Comedians in 'The Mason'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 15 March 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 March 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.78
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Newskey’s Russian Troupe National Songs and Dancers, Mr Frank Lynne Comedian, The Musical Palmers in their Military Interlude 'Lively after Parade', Miss Daisy De Roy Serio Comedienne, Tyrolean Vocalist and Burlesque actress, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 29 March 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 April 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.79
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alexander Dagmar Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Mr E. De Celle Tyrolean and Yodel Duets, Mr Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 26 April 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 October 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.80
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana Comedienne, Mike S. Whallen Comedian and Raconteur, The 4 Vagabonds English Comedy Quartette, Milner and Storey Comedians, Frances McNulty in Her Latest American Success, Bros. Ashley Comedy Boxing Sketch, Dick Geldard Light Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, H.O. Wills Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type on light green paper.

Dates: 3 October 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 July 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.81
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gipsy Nina Singing Accordeoniste, Paul and Earl Rollo with Carole Skaters, Freddie Bamberger Jester Piano Player, Rex Ramer Impressionist, The Embert Sister Scottish Comediennes, Earl and Babette Dancers, Tex Shamva and Co. In Thrilling Mexican Speciality, Three Loose Screws Crazy-but Harmless!. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 17 July 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 August 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.133
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Albert Athas and Lizzie Collins Comedy Duettists, Billy Farrell American Song and Dance Act, Rich and Rich Comedians and Dancers, Jessie Albini Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Cyrus and Maude with their Performing Donkey, May Fitzmaurice Burlesque Actress, Frank Dunlop Character Comedian, Peggy Primrose Vocalist and Dancer, Ernest Rees Character Comedy. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 11 August 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 October 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.134
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Poluski Brothers (Will and Sam) In a New and Original Entertainment, Tom and Mario Motramo Musical Comedy Team, The 2 Weirs Duettists and Dancers, Bob Hutt Eccentric Comedian, The British Quartette, John Bull, Sandy, Pat and Taffy Glee Singers, Gerald Mount descriptive Vocalist, Maude Mortimer Descriptive Character Vocalist, Sisters Govell Duetists and Dancers, De Dio Allegorical Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool.

Dates: 27 October 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 November 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.135
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Freeman Comic Singer, The Nine Rosebuds Vocalists and Dainty Dancers, Daisy James Comedienne, Harry Dent Vocal and Burlesque Comedian, Austin Rudd of Red Light, Danger!, Fame, May Queen Vocalist and Dancer, Edmunda Ventriloquist and Mimic, Harry Villers Character Comedian, Ella Retford Comedienne, Royal Bioscope with a Series of Novel Pictures Including A Trip To the Moon, The Collins Trio Including Miss Rachel Lowe Vocal Comedy Artistes....
Dates: 10 November 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.136
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou the Society Entertainers in their Latest Success James, the Flunkey!, also a Complete Company of Stars and Popular favourites. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 1 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.137
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Apollo Strong Man, Miss Kahn, the Queen of Slight of Hand and Kahn, the Master of Mystery, Harry Wenburn Comedian, Fred Bush and Sadie Bushell Vocalists, R.K. Dunning Ventriloquist, Sybil St. Elmo Ballad Vocalist, Billy Renton Character Comedian, Amy Anderson Comedienne, The Brothers Horne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 15 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.138
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Kindergarten in a Christmas Entertainment, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Jack and Evelyn Duettists, Vocalist and Dancers, Orpheus Musical Speciality Artiste, George Prince Eccentric Character Comedian, Ethel White Coon Songstress, Lily Lever Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Tom Eno Clever Comedian and Mimic, Sydney George Juvenile Actor Vocalist, Angelo Artistic Modeller in Clay. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue,...
Dates: 29 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.139
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The New York Nippers in Unique Act 'Bedtime', George D’Albert Comedian, The Howards Instrumentalists and Comedy Artistes, Grey and Wilford Comedians and Boxers, Carne Curre Comedian, Nellie Martell Comedienne and Dancer, Henry F. Wilson Tenor Vocalist, J.G. Aitkin Comedian, Molly Doon Comedienne, Breton’s Troupe of Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 9 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.140
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morrell and Evans Mirth, Melody and Music, The Bohemians Musical Comedy Artistes, Willie Benn Comedian and Pianist, Nat Travers Coster Comedian, Park’s Eton Boys Vocal Entertainment, Tom Lloyd Comedian, Michael Nolan Irish Comedian, Katie Weston Comedienne and Coon, Impersonator, The Warlocks Comedians and Dancers, Royal Bioscope including The Imperial Durbar at Delhi, 1903, The Burnells-Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 16 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.141
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morritt Magician, Farrell and Willmot Comedians and Dancers, Barton and Ashley American Comedy Duo, Will Hebden Character Comedian, Gwennie Hasto Dancer, Chas. Austin Comedian and Mimic, Liet. Travis Ventriloquist, Dick Geldard Comedian, The Mozondos Comedy Acrobats and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 March 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.142
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Comedian Wal Pink and Company in Farcical Sketch 'The Prize baby', Georgina Leonard Burlesque Actress, Harry Anderson Singer of Chorus Songs, Winnie Derson Serio Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancers, Ella Dean-Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Chas. Russell Character Comedian, J.W. Rowley Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 March 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.143
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The White Mahatmas, The Violas Mental Telegraphy, Sam Kelly Character Comedian and Dancer, Boston Twins Speciality Comedians, Comic Conjurors, Pantomimists, Double Voiced Vocalists and Mimics, Lancashire Quartette! Vocalists and Expert Dancers, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, Fred Sandy Baritone and Descriptive Vocalist, Lillian Sivado Gymnast, The Dunlops Trick Cycle Act, Lily Turner Burlesque Actress, Preston and Balmaine Song...
Dates: 11 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.144
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Professor James Finney Champion Swimmer and Miss Marie Finney, The Heroine of London Bridge and an Aquatic Display, The Haytors Comedy, Verno and Voyce Singing Comedienne, The Jalvans Oriental Equilibrists and Jugglers, Lillie Rhodes Comedienne and Dancer, Sydney Lee Magician, Harry Conlin Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 August 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.145
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Melot Hermann Man of Mystery, Jack Lorimer Comedian, Downes and Langford Burlesque Character Comedians and Dancers, Dora Lyric Refined Comedienne, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Dacre Sisters Character Duettists and Dancers, John E. Coyle Comedian, Marie Santoi Coon Comedian, Mr and Mrs Gene Hughes in 'A Matrimonial Substitute'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 August 1903

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