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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, 31 August 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.146
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike S. Whallen, The New Comet With Many Tales, Leila Roze Comedienne, Les Voces Soloist and Duettist, Brett and Orford in New and Original Seaside Episode 'On the Quiet', Zooroft Mimic and Instrumental Imitator, Nora Emerald Comedienne and dancer, The Bioscope, Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in Pantomimical Sketch 'A Zoological Comedy'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 August 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 October 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.147
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Comedian, Palles and Cussick Yankee Curiosities, Comedians and Burlesque Boxers, Curtis and Vanity Creators and Masters of the Cake walk, Sam Mayo Comedian, Ethel Ra-Leslie Character Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians, J.A.Cassels Scotch Character Comedian, The Four Olympian Stars Cake walkers, Vocalists and Dancers, Foreman and Fannan The Millionaires, Percy and Harold. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 12 October 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 March 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.148
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Society Duettists, Malcolm Scott Comedian, Sanford and Lyons Conversationalists, Duettists and Dancers, May Henderson in Coon Songs and Big-boot Dances, Ella Retford Comedienne and Dancer, Rose Harvey Burlesque Actress and Descriptive Vocalist, Chas. Austin Eccentric Character Comedian, The O’Briens Irish Comedy Sketch Team, The Bioscope, Horace Mills and W.H. Rawlins in Comedy Oddity 'Mashing the Misses'. Printed by S. Griffith and...
Dates: 14 March 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 April 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.149
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams in Character Sketches From Charles Dickens, George Spry and Florrie Austin Vaudeville Stars, Criss Florence Speciality Dancer, Bob Sloan The Hieland Editor, Madeline May Comedienne and Skipping Rope Dancer, Juma’s Octoroons Minstrel Show in Miniature, Maud Needham Descriptive Vocalist, Madame J.W. Craigie and J.W.Bowie Tenor and Contralto Vocalist, The Bioscope, George Gilby Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 4 April 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 May 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.150
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Verno and Voyce Vocal Burlesque, Jack Sheppard Burglary at the Grange, Bob Hamilton Scotch Comedian and Concertinist, Joe Cheevers and Ned Kennedy Irish-American Sketch Team, Madge Daly Comedienne and Vocalist, Abel and Welsh Comic Gymnastic Grotesques, Gus Hindell Character and Descriptive Vocalist, Hess and Lisbon Comic Skaters introducing the Jumbo Policeman, Johnny Worman Comedian and Dancer, Motoring a Clever Sketch Produced by Harry Tate’s...
Dates: 30 May 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 July 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.151
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lind? From The Tivoli, London, Harry Grey The Australian Nugget, Haig and Novel Clever Acrobatic Comedy Act, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Billy Richardson The Black Orator, Mons. Delil Conjuror and Card Expert, Carlotta Mayson Characteristic Vocalist, Cora Gray Comedienne, The Bioscope, Brothers Lloddge Athletics and Silver Chain Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 July 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 August 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.152
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Melot Hermann Man of Mystery!, Sable Fern Comedienne and Singer, Lotto, Lillo and Otto trick and Comedy Cyclists, Queen and Le Brun Comedian and Dancer, Allis and Cassatti Comedy Duettists, Tyrolean Vocalists and Dancers, Harry Zetter Comedian and Grotesque Dancer, Fred Curran Peculiar Comedian, Seeley and West-American Comedians and Instrumentalists in Black and White. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 August 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 August 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.153
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. R.A.Roberts Protean Actor in 'Dick Turpin', Cline and Clark Black and White Comedy Artistes and Speciality Dancers, Ray Maskell Comedienne, Vocalist and Dancer, Victor Travers Comedy, Renson and White Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Les Voces Duettists, Jack Mills Character Comedian, Leila Roze Versatile Society Entertainer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 August 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 September 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.154
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gothams in 'Miss Green!', Musical Comedy, Mark Melford and Company in their Popular Sketch, 'Non Suited!', The Mannons in Pantomimic Sketch 'Uncle Yank’s Mishaps!', Billy Ross and Co. Including Miss Hilda Brandon in their Comedy, Sketch 'The Hot Member!', Rich and Rich Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Harry Wright Extempore Vocalist, Nellie Gannon Vocalist and Dancer, The 2 Stars Duettists and Dancers, Charles Fanning Australian Comedian. Printed...
Dates: 12 September 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 September 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.155
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Valazzi Juggler and Equilibrist, Lily Marney The Spanish-Irish Girl, The Four Ramlos Acrobatic and Comedy Bar Performers, Minnie Cunningham Singer, Professor Bernar King of Marionettes, Barney Vox Ventriloquist, Lily Lonsdale Soprano Vocalist, Ernie Myers Dialect Comedian and Dancer, Sydney Lee Prince of Magic, Jimson’s Comedy Animal Act introducing his Latest Novelty, The Talking Pig. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red...
Dates: 19 September 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 October 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.156
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Leonard Barry and Company in 'The Moucher’s Walk', George D’Albert Versatile Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, Grell and Grey in 'Bertie’s First Lesson In Tennis', W.J. Churchill 'Uncle Willie' Eccentric Comedian, Tray and Rich Black and White Faced Comedy Team, Nora Emerald Soubrette and Dancer, Edie Gray and White Coons Harmonious Vocalists, Flo Challis Contralto Vocalist, Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in Pantomimical absurdity, 'A Zoological...
Dates: 31 October 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 March 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.157
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Sweet Famous American Musical Burglar, W.J. Churchill 'Uncle Willie' Eccentric Comedian, Fred Poplar Comedian, The New Macs Knockabout Comedians, Jock Whitford Scottish Comedian, May Queen Milburn Comedienne and Dancer, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancer, Kitty Wager Burlesque Actress, The Bioscope, The 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type. .

Dates: 27 March 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.158
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mark Sheridan Comedian, Marguerite Broadfoot Comedienne and Vocalist, Malcolm Scott Comic Philosophy, Albert Le Fre Comedian, Pantomimist and Dancer, Frazer and Mac in Rich Rare and Racy Gems of Thought, Victor Travers Burlesque Coon Comedian, Sisters Warner Acrobatic Dancers, Mack Olive The Clever Siffleur, Cissy Curlette Comedienne and Mimic, Bob Hutt Comedian, The Bioscope, The Mozondos Eccentric Acrobatics and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.159
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lil Hawthorne American Comedienne, Happy Fanny Fields American Dutch Girl, Brown and Robinson, The Bohemians Musical and Comedy Speciality Team, Gertie Gitana in Her Original Scena 'A School Girl’s Holiday', Connor and Brady Inventors of Burlesque Absurdities, Ben Albert Comedian, Edie Madison Comedienne and Dancer, The Three Missouris, Captain Kettle and His Mates, Including Champion Wrestlers Vaseline and Madratski. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 10 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 May 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.160
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Ford Comedian, Dan Crawley Comedian and Dancer, Morton Comedy Trio, The Geoffreys in Comedy Sketch 'Spoofed', Beattie Foster Serio and Descriptive Vocalist, Marie Reeve Comedian and Dancer, Wallace Whitney Character Comedian, Lilian Bishop Comedian and Dancer, The Bioscope, The Two Anartos Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 May 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 July 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.161
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Haytors (Edie Arthur and Frank) In Comedy Oddity, 'Here She Goes, There She Goes', Morny Cash Comedian, Rose Tilley Artiste and Dancer, Addie Dorina in 'How it Was done', Renson and Waite Duettists and Dancers, Frank Whiteley Comedian, Patterer and Dancer, The Bioscope, The Two Cavaliers-Song and Jest. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 17 July 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 July 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.162
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Osborn and Brookes in 'Partners: or, the Tragedian Turned Topsy Turvey', The Three Sisters Hayden Character Comediennes, The Ettenas Globe Artistes, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Vasey and Ramsey Grotesque Dance Act, Bros. Adderley, Mons. De Lil Illusionist, Austin Rudd Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 July 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.163
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike Whallen Comedian, Nell Kenyon The Scotsman and His Pack, Tom Costello The Poor Old Clow’. Monday Next. R.A. Roberts. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue print.

Dates: 14 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.164
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. R.A.Roberts, Protean Actor in 'Dick Turpin', Will Van Allen Musical Dummy, Silent Tait Eccentric Wizard, Williams and Brown Cross-Talk Comedians, Charles Coverdale Comedian, Amy Donna Coon Vocalist and Dancer, Dion Wade Comedian and Mimic, Percy Honri Music, Song and Story. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 October 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.165
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ethel Arden, Celebrated Actress Supported by and George Abel and Company in '3 of a Kind', Ethel Raleslie Burlesque Actress, The Two Bostons In Comic Act, 'The Novelty Showmen', George Rapley Character Comedian, Millie Howell Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Dot Stanley Vocalist and Dancer, The Bioscope, Jack Camp Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 October 1905

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