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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, 15 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.321
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Karno’s Comedians in Mumming Birds, Little Dorretta Dainty Dutch Comedian and Acrobatic Sabot dancer, Walker and Lake popular Patter Purveyers, The Grosvenors Singers of popular Melodies, Maston Mimic, Billy Richardson Black Orator, The Royal Bioscope, Ernest Montefiore and Co. In Dramatic Sketch. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 15 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.322
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Stockwell comedian, The Mays Duettists, Pantomimists and Speciality Dancers, The Jackson Family! musicians, Ferris and Farnley comedians, vocalists and dancers, Baby Loftus child actress and vocalist, Gus Hindell character comedian and mimic, Lindon and Russell the comedy girls, Tom Lloyd quaint eccentric comedy. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 21 August 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.323
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Joe Elvin comedian, Yaggs and Mary Trick Cyclists, Professor Vox ventriloquist, Tiny Arnold clever juvenile exponent of song and dance, Annie Wright Serio comedienne and burlesque Actress, Marcus Boyle character comedians and Vocalist, Lily Jackson Male and Character Impersonator, Mable Thorne Anglo-American Soubrette and Dancer, Les Voces vocalists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 13 November 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 November 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.324
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Moras in their novel and Laughable, Pantomimic Three bar Sketch, Lilia Roze Burlesque Actress, Austin Rudd Character Comedian, Marie Kendall Comedienne, Cyrus Dare Clever Society Entertainer, Ryder Slone Character Comedian, Eva Euston Serio comic vocalist and Dancer, Steve M’Carthy Character Comedian, Animated Photos. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue, yellow and green type.

Dates: 27 November 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 October 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.325
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Harvey Boys comic and scientific boxing, Singing and Dancing, Minnie Cunningham Serio comedienne and Dancer, Walter King comedian and Dancer, Edison Vitascope, The Channings Operatic vocalists, Lily Ford Premiere Danseuse and Vocalist, Harry Bedford Comedian, Bransby Williams Character sketches from Charles Dickens, The Great Selbini troupe Acrobats, Cyclists, Musicians and Jugglers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue...
Dates: 2 October 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.326
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. St. Juste and Higgins the King’s Jesters, Jocular Jock McKay humourist, Elida Morris in Song Stories, Kit O’More Comedy, Val Vett Ragtime, Rag Picking, Rag Painter, Arthur Lewis, Dancing Entertainer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Corn and Neil Comedy Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, and blue type.

Dates: 8 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 September 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.327
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edwin Styles comedian, Eric Randolph actor vocalist, Sandrisi Copelli acrobatic character and eccentric dancers, The Musical Sylvesters, The Tudors Juggling, Balancing, Trick Jumping and Tumbling act, Verme and Anna Piano Accordionists, Pathe’s News, Sydney Fuller and best Friend in comedy 'A La Mode'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red and black type.

Dates: 7 September 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 September 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.328
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Benedetti Bros. comedians and Violinists, Bob and Alf Pearson harmony act, The Four Sisters Lund acrobatic and whirlwind Dancing Speciality, Du Marte and Denzer Twins in Action, Harry Coady Comedy, Music, Song and Dance, Eddie Lerone and Bessie Bendon Comedy Act, Teresa Russell Singer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Norman Carroll comedian and Monologuist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue, and yellow print.

Dates: 22 September 1930

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 March 1936

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.329
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Afrique Impersonator of famous celebrities, Jeanette Adie The Ideal Male, Four Roadsters introducing Britain’s Greatest Street Singer, Adrienne and Austin Dancing, Gallagher and Spree American Comedy Duo, Frank Groves, The Argyle Orchestra, Ed. and Jess Cotrillo Jugglers, The Four Wonder Wheelers Laughs and Sensations. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 9 March 1936

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 January 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.600
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vonare Lady contortionist, Violet Reefern Serio and descriptive dancer, The Two Howes comedians and dancers, Harry Stennet transatlantic performer, Fred Harrington Anglo-Dutch Milanese piper and ballad vocalist, May Oliver Anglo-American soubrette, Olvene and Nestal trapeze artists, Master Charl prince of the silver wire, Nellie Gertie, The Minims grand instrumental Speciality. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and red type.

Dates: 25 January 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster

 Digital Image
Reference code: 178-r012-024
Dates: 23 May 1892

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

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Subject
Acrobats 63
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 41
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3