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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, 7 January 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.166
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hill and Whittaker Harp, Banjo and Songs, New York Nippers Juvenile Entertainment, Nelly Farrell, Our Nell, Glittering Star of Erin, Henry Hallam and Josephine Stanton In Comedy Sketch, 'A Broken Journey', The Lovelaces American Song Illustrators, Freda Spry and B.S. Monti in 'The Dandy Guardsman', Sisters Marion Juvenile Duettists, The Royal Bioscope, Fred Keeton Comedian, W.J. Ashcroft Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 7 January 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 February 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.167
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Whittle Comedian, Collinson’s Topsy Turvey School, Walter Munroe Irish Comedian, Lyons Trio Pantomimists and Dancers, Mr. C. American Raconteur, Three sisters Grosvenor Singers of Popular Melodies, Tom Maxwell and Virginia Frances Comedy Act, Maud Courtney American Girl, The Royal Bioscope, Nellie Christie Negro Character Comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 18 February 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 June 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.168
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Howard and Kathryn Harris in 'The Adventures of a Happy Tramp', Dan Thomas and Daisy Yates In Screaming Burlesque, 'Widow Twanky’s Laundry', Emma Don and her Black and White Comedy Team, Phil Bransby Coster Comedian, Lawrence Barclay Comedian, Dolly Denton Dainty Comedienne, The Royal Bioscope, Steve McCarthy Comedian and Expert Dancer, Marie Kendall Comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red...
Dates: 24 June 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.169
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edith Muir, Hubert Bartlett and Co. in Comedy 'The Collar Stud!', Rose Elliott Singer, J.W.Gallagher Eccentric Comedian, Boden and Bell Juvenile Dancers, Nellie Cotter, Vocalist, Aimee Desiree Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, The Three Royal Dreadnoughts (Lillian, Vera and Major Charles) Rifle Shots and Famous Dog Nellie. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 22 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.170
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Primrose Quartette Vocalists, Baker and De Sales American Comedy Act, The Three Royal Temples Operatic Vocalists, E.R. Dainez and his Famous Animals, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Frank Leslie Vocal Comedian, Bros. Brasso Burlesque Acrobats and Comedy rampolines, De Lil Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Clever Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 29 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 August 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.171
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Comedian, Leoni Dixon Dainty Soubrette and Speciality Dancer, Fred Land Eccentric Character Comedian, Verno and Voyce Comedians, Jenny Reeve Comedienne, Jack Easy Character Comedian, Lily Langtry Comedienne, Royal Bioscope, Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in the 'Kindergarten'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 12 August 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.172
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. James Mooney and Ida Holbein Songs and Acrobatic Dancing, Maide Scott Comedienne, Dusty Rhodes Comedy Merchant, George Collins Quaint Comedian, Lieut. Travis Ventriloquist, Ivy May Vocalist and Dancer, Talberto and Douglas Comedy, The Royal Bioscope, Ike and Will Scott Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.173
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. King and Benson Comedy and Vocal Entertainment, The New York Nippers In Juvenile Scena 'Bedtime', Athas and Collins Variety Acts, F.V. St. Clair Singer, Conway and Leland the Merry Monopedes, Nellie Martell Comedienne and Dancer, Mr and Mrs Harold Finden in Farce 'A Mare’s Nest', Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Russon Comedian and Actor Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 January 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.174
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Beaumont Collins and West-End Company in 'The Leaves Of Memory', Fred Edwards and Company Including Bertha Northam In Laughable Episode Kleptomaniacs, Andy McLeod Comedian, Raconteur and Instrumentalist, The Three Orleans Harmony and Dancing, Mark Leslie, The Swell Coon Songs and Dances, Davis and Dean Comedians and Shadow Dancers, Bessie Lind Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Cassie Walmer Contralto and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 January 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 May 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.175
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jennie Johns Comedienne, Joe O’Gorman Comedian, Story Teller, Vocalist and Dancer, Wilson Hallett Comedian, Quality Quartettte Vocal Comedy Act, Carlotta Levey Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Ingram and Irving in 'The New Office Boy', Anna Heath Comedienne and Dancer, O’Gorman Bros. Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Bert Bryne Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Tom Taylor and Co. in 'The Plumbers'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 2 May 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 July 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.176
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Company in 'Under Suspicion', Ouida Macdermott Vocal Actress, Billy Hobbs Coon Impersonator and Dancer, Doody and Wright Australian Comiques, Bertha Winder Dancer, Alec Kendall Patter Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Whittakers In Comedy Skit 'Dick Whittington'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue and red.

Dates: 18 July 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 August 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.177
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Jessie Merriless-la Cigale, Moon and Morris Comedians and Dancers, Millie Howell Character Vocalist, Miss Teddy Edmunds’ Company Present "The Lady Jockey" a Sporting Farce, Nellie Farrell Irish Singer, Larry Lewis Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Violet Stockelle Comedienne and Dancer, Brothers Bradshaw Acrobatic Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 1 August 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 August 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.178
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Chas. Austin in 'Parker P.C.' Comedy, Irene Rose Dainty Comedienne, Sanford and Lyons Comedians, Monty Walker Comedian, The Westwoods Cycling Duo, Harry Knox Comedian, Lily Eyton Vocal Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Sammy Shields Scottish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 August 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 August 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.179
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Blake and Granby Comedy, Jack Lane Comedian, Foreman and Fannan The Millionaires Percy and Harold, Tom Collins Character Comedian, Gladys Mavius Canadian Comedienne and Dancer, Walter Ellis and Company in 'The Sleepwalker', Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Josie Delaine. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 August 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 August 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.180
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Maide Scott Comedienne, Charles R. Whittle Comedian, The Seven Bramusas in 'Music afloat', Fred Barnes Hughes and Elliott Comedy Singing and Dancing Duo, Alfred Wood and Company in Farcical Episode 'Ten Minutes', George Lambton Swell Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Brothers Horne Comedy Boxing Sketch, Ted Waite Spasmodic Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 August 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 September 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.181
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox American Hebrew Comedians, J.P. Ling Comedian and Mimic, Lillie Lassah Comedienne and Cancer, Ike and Will Scott Comic Duettists and Dancers, Arthur Woodville Light Comedian and Expert Dancer, Otto and Olga Musical Comedy Act, Nora Stockelle Comedienne, Victor Travers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Mooney and Holbein Vaudeville Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 September 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 September 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.182
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Ali Animal Actor, Tom E. Hughes Comedian, Hanvarr and Lee in 'The Golfer and the Maid', May Mars In Vocal Scena 'My Persian Garden', Stacey and Williams cross Talk Comedians, Raie Walters The Fishing Girl, Will Musgrave Character Comedian, Billy Rhodes Droll Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Park’s Eton Boys Assisted by the Girton Girls In Their New Song Scena 'Speech Day at Eton College'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 September 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.82
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. West End Variety by Arrangement with Will Collins and Lew, Grade Ltd Presents Something Special in Laughter Shows 'Runnin’ Wild', The Three Jokers 20th Century Jesters, Archie Glen 'Blotto', Nita and Jacques International Dancers, Mabs Newman’s Six Diamonettes, Martyn and Maye Jugglers, Bobbie Raye Singer, Bettina Richman Dancer, Four Playboys in 'Hurricane of Rhythm'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 28 August 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.83
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Harmonists Featuring Gladys Hay (Daughter of Will Hay), BBC Sound Impressionists, Navarre international Prince of Mimics, Holt and Maurice 'Good Company', 3 Aberdonians, Len Rostock, Edna Devonshire, Lorraine singing Cartoonist, Harold Walden Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 4 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.84
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carroll Levis Presents His Latest BBC Discoveries, Fourteen Big Acts Plus Variety Show. Red type.

Dates: 11 December 1939

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