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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 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.137
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Apollo Strong Man, Miss Kahn, the Queen of Slight of Hand and Kahn, the Master of Mystery, Harry Wenburn Comedian, Fred Bush and Sadie Bushell Vocalists, R.K. Dunning Ventriloquist, Sybil St. Elmo Ballad Vocalist, Billy Renton Character Comedian, Amy Anderson Comedienne, The Brothers Horne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 15 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 December 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.138
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Carrie Laurie’s Kindergarten in a Christmas Entertainment, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Jack and Evelyn Duettists, Vocalist and Dancers, Orpheus Musical Speciality Artiste, George Prince Eccentric Character Comedian, Ethel White Coon Songstress, Lily Lever Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Tom Eno Clever Comedian and Mimic, Sydney George Juvenile Actor Vocalist, Angelo Artistic Modeller in Clay. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue,...
Dates: 29 December 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.139
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The New York Nippers in Unique Act 'Bedtime', George D’Albert Comedian, The Howards Instrumentalists and Comedy Artistes, Grey and Wilford Comedians and Boxers, Carne Curre Comedian, Nellie Martell Comedienne and Dancer, Henry F. Wilson Tenor Vocalist, J.G. Aitkin Comedian, Molly Doon Comedienne, Breton’s Troupe of Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red, green and yellow type.

Dates: 9 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.140
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morrell and Evans Mirth, Melody and Music, The Bohemians Musical Comedy Artistes, Willie Benn Comedian and Pianist, Nat Travers Coster Comedian, Park’s Eton Boys Vocal Entertainment, Tom Lloyd Comedian, Michael Nolan Irish Comedian, Katie Weston Comedienne and Coon, Impersonator, The Warlocks Comedians and Dancers, Royal Bioscope including The Imperial Durbar at Delhi, 1903, The Burnells-Pantomimists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 16 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 February 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.141
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Morritt Magician, Farrell and Willmot Comedians and Dancers, Barton and Ashley American Comedy Duo, Will Hebden Character Comedian, Gwennie Hasto Dancer, Chas. Austin Comedian and Mimic, Liet. Travis Ventriloquist, Dick Geldard Comedian, The Mozondos Comedy Acrobats and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 February 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 March 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.142
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Comedian Wal Pink and Company in Farcical Sketch 'The Prize baby', Georgina Leonard Burlesque Actress, Harry Anderson Singer of Chorus Songs, Winnie Derson Serio Comedienne and Dancer, New Macs Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancers, Ella Dean-Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Chas. Russell Character Comedian, J.W. Rowley Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 March 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.143
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The White Mahatmas, The Violas Mental Telegraphy, Sam Kelly Character Comedian and Dancer, Boston Twins Speciality Comedians, Comic Conjurors, Pantomimists, Double Voiced Vocalists and Mimics, Lancashire Quartette! Vocalists and Expert Dancers, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, Fred Sandy Baritone and Descriptive Vocalist, Lillian Sivado Gymnast, The Dunlops Trick Cycle Act, Lily Turner Burlesque Actress, Preston and Balmaine Song...
Dates: 11 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 May 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.144
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Professor James Finney Champion Swimmer and Miss Marie Finney, The Heroine of London Bridge and an Aquatic Display, The Haytors Comedy, Verno and Voyce Singing Comedienne, The Jalvans Oriental Equilibrists and Jugglers, Lillie Rhodes Comedienne and Dancer, Sydney Lee Magician, Harry Conlin Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 May 1903

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 August 1903

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.145
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Melot Hermann Man of Mystery, Jack Lorimer Comedian, Downes and Langford Burlesque Character Comedians and Dancers, Dora Lyric Refined Comedienne, J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Dacre Sisters Character Duettists and Dancers, John E. Coyle Comedian, Marie Santoi Coon Comedian, Mr and Mrs Gene Hughes in 'A Matrimonial Substitute'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 August 1903

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

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Type
Archival Object 353
Collection 2
Digital Record 3
 
Subject
Acrobats 63
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 41
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3