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, 30 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.250
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe, Charles Cohan Hebrew Comedian, Sisters Reeve Pantomime Favourites in Dainty Songs and Duets, The Johnnys in Colour Shadow Southwood, His Pink Lady and a Piano, The 2 McCuskers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation Jerome and Carson In Vaudeville Breezes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.251
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mdlle. Marguerite Scialtiel Supported by Jane Wells and Martin, Walker In One Act Comedy 'My Lonely Soldier', Jack Lane Yorkshire Rustic, Mart and Pep Spanish Entertainers Ethal Leslie, The Gallant, Band Master Morris One Man Band, Little Hazel Juvenile Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Oswald Bemand and his Famous Pet Wonder Pigeons. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.252
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilbert Payne and Company In Farcical Comedy, 'Bingle’s Bungle', Jack Thompson and Annie Walker Vocalists Assisted by Cecila, Johnson, Violinist, The Martini’s Piano Cabaret Scena introducing the Latest, American Society Dances, Manuel Vega Comedy Act, Cassie Walmer Eccentric Contralto and Dancer, Katie Butler Character Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Finlay Dunn Joke at the Pian’, Julot and Partner French...
Dates: 21 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.253
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams, 'The Seven Ages of Man', From Baby to Old Man 102, Those Two Nondescripts and a Piano, George de Alma Banjo Boy, Freda Lawrence and Billie Bowie Comedy Entertainers, Sophie Forrest Comedienne, James Barry Dancing Marvel, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Artemas Comedy Illusionist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 28 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.254
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Lily Hammersley and West End Company in 'The Years Between', Haley’s Juveniles Vocal Scena, Lydia and Francis Parisian, Artistic and Acrobatic Dances, Tom Costello Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Thelma Hamilton Soprano Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Frank Whitman Dance Mad Fiddler. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.255
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 2 Rascals, Chas O’Donnell and Eddie Fields, Madge Velma and her Ruffles Lady Vocalists, Frank Keith Light Star Comedian, Francis and Alfred Juggler and Assistant, Stephanie Anderson Dancing and Instrumental Quick Change Act, Nona Dixie Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ronez, the Broken Cellist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 January 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.256
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian Penrose and Whitlock, Harold Moss, Norfolk Gipsy Violinist and Isabel Maachah Musical and Dancing Fantasy, Olga Sydney Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Lue Joyce Perfect Lady, The Mellow Dee’s high Class Repertoire, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, St. Juste and Higgins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 January 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.257
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox Hebrew Comedians, Jock McKay Scots Comedian, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne, De Busse Piano Accordianist, Nelson and Nelson Comedy Acrobats, The Carylls and Chorister, Thelma Hamilton Yorkshire Soprano, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Nelson Jackson Humorist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 February 1920

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