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, 1 November 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.117
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Professor Duncan’s Wonderful Collie Dogs, J.H. Hurst Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, The Brothers Edgar Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, 7 Savonas Musical Marvels, Miss Amy Lyster Serio Comedienne and Characteristic Vocalist, Ethel Wood Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr George Fairburn in "Parliamentary Personages", Erny Leader Eccentric Comedian, The Seven Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, Musicians, Jugglers, Monocyclists, Unicycle and Roller...
Dates:
1 November 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 January 1898
Item
Reference code: 178R12.118
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Werner and Reider Tyrolean Duettists, Lottie Lennox Comedienne, Miss F. Spry and Mr B. Monti Comedy Act, Violet Wilton Serio Comic Vocalist and Top-Boot Dancer, Little Chinko Boy Juggler, Lottie Holland Serio Comedienne and Skipping Rope Dancer, Frank Coyle Character Comedian, Leslie Clare Character Actor Vocalist, James Capelli Electro-Musical Phantast. Monday Next, The Collibris Midgets. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and...
Dates:
3 January 1898
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 August 1898
Item
Reference code: 178R12.119
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sampson the Strongest Man on Earth Challenges the World to Find His Equal Supported by a Gigantic Star Company. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.
Dates:
29 August 1898
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 January 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.120
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Three Delevines and Sisters Winterton, Pantomime, Musical and Legmania Exponents in a Comic Speciality, Nellie Oldene Descriptive Vocalist, Hartz in "A Devil of a Hat", Violet Wilton Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Frank Coyle The Rattler, Carrie Heaton Comedienne, Alf Gibson Character Comedian, The Edison Thomas Animated Photos War Pictures, The Karno Trio Pantomimists and Champion Ball Pubchers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool....
Dates:
15 January 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 January 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.121
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Garrisons Burlesque Artiste, Four M.P.’s Musical Palmers, The Kronemans Comedy Acrobats and Hand Balancers, Madden Wood Knockabout Comedians, Evelyn Taylor Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Daisy Palmer Comedienne, Vocalist and Dancer, The Edison Thomas Animated Photos Interesting and Military Pictures, The Donato One-Legged Grotesque and Cosmopolitan Athletic Clowns. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.
Dates:
29 January 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 February 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.122
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead . The McConnell Family, The Two Neros in "Antics in a Public Bar", Edith St. Clair Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Lancashire Quartette Lady Vocalists and Dancers, Mark Haldane Character Comedy, Eily Adair Serio Comic Vocalist and Top-boot Dancer, The Edison Thomas Animated Photos interesting and Military Pictures, Alice Palmer Comedienne and Speciality Danseuse, The Three Albions Comedy Musical Act. Monday Next, John Lawson’s Sensational...
Dates:
15 February 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 February 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.123
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gotham Quartette American Comedy and Singing Troupe, Lily Lever Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, The Brothers Lang Knockabout Comedy, Wattie Allen Character Comedian and Dancer, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Dot McCarthy Serio Comedienne and Dancer, The Edison Thomas Animated Photos military pictures, Lanzetta Continental Speciality Artiste. Monday next, Lillie Belmore lady Tom in 'The Runaway', Florador Quartette, Two Bostons, Tom Lloyd, etc. Printed by...
Dates:
19 February 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 April 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.124
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, The Seven Savonas Gigantic Fairyland of Electric Lights, Musical Act, Peggy Pryde Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Frank Seeley Comedian, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Mad’lle De Lil Illusionist, Marguerite and May Duettists and Dancers, Senorita Eloina Gymnast, Royal Bioscope with the Latest Animated Pictures Of the War In South Africa. Monday next, Nellie Christie, Marie French, Chas Pastor etc. Printed by S....
Dates:
30 April 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.125
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Elliotts Cyclists, The Seven Savonas Gigantic Fairyland of Electric Lights, Musical act, Marie French Burlesque Actress, Charles Pastor The Laughing Philosopher, Regan and Ryan Knockabout Comedy Exponent, Robb Gillmore Comic Posturer, Senorita Eloina Clever Gymnast, Jas. Grant The Character Comedian, Royal Bioscope Animated War Pictures, Nellie Christie 'delineator of Coon Songs', 'W.F.Frame is Coming'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates:
7 May 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 May 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.126
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Will H. Fox Comedian in Famous Paderewski Burlesque Paddywhiski", Lily Marney Vocalist, Eno Mimic, Harry Rose Character Comedian, Clarence and Bell Knockabout Comedy Team, Kitty Raybourn Serio Comedian and Dancer, The American Bioscope Will Show Views of the Queen’s Visit To, Dublin and the Latest War Pictures, Jesse Burton Baritone and Descriptive Vocalist, Alaska and Olrac Knockabout Horizontal Bar Experts. Monday Next, WF Frame. Printed by S....
Dates:
14 May 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 August 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.127
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Grand Re-Opening!, Harry Atkinson Imitator of Musical Instruments, Austin Rudd Comedian Griff Equilibristic Cynic, Minnie Cunningham Comedienne and Dancer, Bennett and Martell Clever Legmania Comedians, Sisters Emerald Duettists, Vocalists and Expert Dancers, The Royal Bioscope Showing Animated Photos of the China and South African Wars, Munro and O’Toole Eccentric Duettists and Dancers, Lelia Roze Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates:
6 August 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900
Item
Reference code: 178R12.128
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 6 Brothers Luck in new Pantomimic Absurdity 'The Hermit', Animated Photographs of General Buller and the C.I.V’s. return to England Produced by the Royal Bioscope, The Dorrells Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Charles Seel Comedian, Martha Gymnast, Maude Needham Serio Comic and Ballad Vocalist, T.W. Barrett The Nobleman’s Son, Marion Keats-Serio-Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool....
Dates:
19 November 1900
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 January 1901
Item
Reference code: 178R12.129
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Signor Pepi Italy’s Greatest Quick Change Artist, Animated Photographs of Lord Roberts’ Return Produced by the B.B.and R. Royal Bioscope Company, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Egyptian Princess Cleopatra Serpent Enchantress, Emma Don Character Comedienne, Collins and Rice American Comedy Vocalist and Dancers, Barton Howard The Human Gramophone, Dora Lyric Burlesque Actress, R.W. Bentley Character Comedian, Boswell’s Novel Stage Circus with Educated...
Dates:
14 January 1901
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1902
Item
Reference code: 178R12.130
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Mysterious Lilith introduced by Professor Fred Harcourt, the Marvellous Magician, Rawson and June Australian Boomerang Throwers, The Saxon Trio Strong Men, Mike Whallen Raconteur and Extempore Vocalist, Lillian Warren In Her Novel Vocal Pictures, Martin Conway Quaint Comedian, Violet Wilton Comedienne and Dancer, Frank Coyle Character Comedian, Carl Nobel Danish Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow...
Dates:
20 January 1902
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 February 1902
Item
Reference code: 178R12.131
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in Their Amusing and Laughter Provoking Kindergarten, The Bohemians Musical Comedy, Cora Casselli Italian Dancer, The Jetneys the Apollos of Darktown Aristocracy, Sisters Russell Duettists and Dancers, Professor Hulbert Ventriloquist, Rose Conroy Serio Comedienne, M. Dell Conjuror and Illusionist, Lachie Thompson’s Top weights Musical Acts, Frantz Family-Lady and Gentlemen Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates:
17 February 1902
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 June 1902
Item
Reference code: 178R12.132
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Abel and Welsh Clever Grotesque Eccentrics, George White’s Arabs, Royal Bioscope Carnival Procession in Birkenhead and Other Scenes Taken Saturday 21st June, 1902, Spriggs and Grundy Comedians and Dancers, The Musical Scena '20 minutes in Venice', Alf Levarini Wire Act, The Rozells Knockabout Triple Bar Performers, Lily Curries Descriptive Vocalist, Woodbee Wonders, Grand Coronation March Played by the Argyle Orchestra Under the Direction of...
Dates:
30 June 1902
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
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
- Boxing 16
- Business 13
- Circus 12
- Clowning 14
- Comedians 322
- Contortionists 5
- Dance 245
- Dwarfs (Persons) 5
- Equestrians 1
- Fakirs 1
- Family 1
- Female impersonators 8
- Fire eating 2
- Freak shows 1
- Gymnasts 13
- Jugglers 36
- Magic 35
- Male impersonators 18
- Menageries 1
- Mimes 1
- Minstrel shows 10
- Motion pictures 185
- Music 1
- Music-halls 347
- Musical performances 114
- Musicians 68
- Optical illusions 1
- Pantomime 42
- Performers 351
- Pierrot 2
- Puppets 7
- Shooting 4
- Showman 1
- Showwoman 1
- Sideshows 4
- Singing 272
- Skating 7
- South African War, 1899-1902 9
- Strong men 5
- Stunt performers 1
- Tableaux vivants 3
- Thin people 3
- Travel 1
- Ventriloquists 20
- War 35
- Wild west 2
- World War, 1914-1918 22
- World War, 1939-1945 1
- Wrestling 8
- Zoos 1 + ∧ less
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