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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, 10 August 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.302
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carr Lynn Mimetic Comedian, Monica and Pat Daly, Helen Binnie Comedienne, Terri and June Music and Dancing, Raby and Dell in Mirth and Melody, The Argyle Orchestra Under the Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Kathleen Caldecott English Concertina Playing, Mdlle. Al-Wright Presents Her Comedy Circus, Pathe’s Super News Gazette. Black and red type.

Dates: 10 August 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 September 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.303
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rupert Hazell and Elsie Day in 'Harmonylarity', Max Hoffman Comedian, Frank Tully. Black Face Comedian and Jack and Lyle Jeffries Ritz Sisters, Jean and Leslie Juvenile International Speciality Dancers, Maise Hopwood Comedienne Dancer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Finch and Babs Comedy Knockabout and Acrobatic Dancing. Black and red type.

Dates: 14 September 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 November 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.304
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Grunden and Hec. McLennan, The Song Crackers, Frank Wilson, a Band in Himself, Jo Sisters and Jon Musical and Dancing Act, Barry Barnes Comedian, Pepino with His Comedy Burlesque Circus, Ben Said, The Funjorer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Mitchel and Peru Comedians. Black and red type.

Dates: 30 November 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 December 1934

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.305
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Music Mirth and Melody for our 66th Birthday, Jenny Howard Revue Comedienne with Percy King, Cecil Lyle Illusionist, Tommy Trainor Clever Comedian, Clara Kenton Violinist, Tom Merry Merseyside Dock Poet, Pat McKay Irish Dancer, The Argyle Orchestra Under The Direction of Mr. W. H. Sydney Jones, Universal News Topics of the Day, Reg. and Ronny Dale, Two Argyle stars in Modern Harmony. Black and blue type.

Dates: 17 December 1934

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 November 1900

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.306
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, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 19 November 1900

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 April 1898

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.307
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Eugene Stratton, the originator of a quaint Style of Negro comedy, song and dance, Emmie Ames serio comic vocalist, The Fothergills farcical absurdities, The Six Ramoneurs Vienesse Lady vocalists and dancers, Lord George Ayton comedian, Ernestine Fromme dancer, Walter King Character comedian, Bella and Bijou singers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 18 April 1898

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 June 1933

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.308
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Critchton Boys and Beryl Evetts a Novelty, Singers, Dancers and Instrumentalists, A.J. Powers Burlesque Scots Comedian, Mitchell and Peru comedy acrobats, Holson and Bert dancing comedians, Daly Sisters and Marr, Casa and Nova crazy dancers, Hal Miller vocal jester, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Ware and Ryan, new comedy team. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Black and red type.

Dates: 5 June 1933

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1902

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.309
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead . Woodward’s Wonderful Performing Sea Lions and Seals, Musicians, actors, mimics, comedians and singers, Introducing Leo, the Monstre North Pole juggler, balancer and Equilibrist, Richard H. Douglass comedian and entertainer, Captain Slingsby ventriloquist expert, Chas. Seel comedian and dancer, Cribb and Cribb acrobatic Eccentrics, Maude Needham serio comedienne, The Royal Bioscope, Harry Glynn’s Comic Sketch Team, American Comedy Four. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 November 1902

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.310
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Astley’s American Circus, Lily Marney character comedienne, Jack and Evelyn song and dance, Lilian Lowe ballad and descriptive vocalist, E.J. Sheldon comedian whislter and dancer, Brothers Adderley duettists and mimics, Arthur Gilbert character comedian, Manning’s Entertainers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 11 December 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.311
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Noni and Partner French clown, Reg Bolton Comedian, Miss Ellis Drake and Company in New Scotch Playlet 'Oh Mother', Dolly Victorian and Assistant trick cyclist, Thornley Dodge skits, songs and sketches, Dainty Doris Comedienne, Sisters Fraser vocalists and dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Susie Marney comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 18 November 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.312
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Haley’s Juveniles in a beautiful Christmas Scena, Cecil Baumer pianiste, Constance Izard Violinist, Fredk. Allen baritone, Costa and George comedy bar act, Lily O’Gara contralto vocalist, Dene Dunlop comedian, May Renter vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Hart and O’Brian eccentrique and the Canadian Johnny. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 20 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.313
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Verno and Voyce in their sporting, topical and dramatic successes, Charles R. Whittle comedian, The Violas, the White Mahatmas in an exhibition of mental telegraphy, The Knick Knacks comedy and speciality dancers, Charley Harvey in comedy 'The Broken Statue', Lily Turner comedienne. Jules Keller human enigma, Slade Murray actor, vocalist and comedian, Palles and Cussick laughter provoking comedians, The Bioscope, Hanco handcuff manipulator and jail...
Dates: 12 December 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.314
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ketty King male impersonator, Victor Kelly comedian and dancer, Alexandre and Hughes comic Patterers, Walter Stanley comedian, Rose and Challoner comedy sketch Team, Phil Bransby Coster Comedain, Victor’s Juveniles miniature mimics, Tom E. Hughes, Kinemacolor, the only existing Stereoscopic life-motion pictures. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 13 November 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 February 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.315
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Lashwood comedian, Dumond’s Minstrels Hurgini juggler and equilibrist, Bella and Bijou society entertainer, Howard Bros Oriental Somnuists, Nora Keeble burlesque actress, The Fothergills sketch artistes, Daisy Meadows serio comedienne, vocalist and dancer, Clarke and Rays American banjoists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 13 February 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 June 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.316
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Jenny Valmore serio comic vocalist, Mr J.H. Nation The laughing Comic, Sisters Olive duettists and dancers, Messrs Drew and Alders eccentric comedians, vocalists and Acrobatic experts, Little Luna gymnast, Bale troupe in their sensational Japanese entertainment, Mr J. Chippendale Irish character comedian and dancer, Allan and Hart American Speciality Artistes, Duettists and Quick Change Artistes. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 18 June 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.317
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Kokin the Beau Brummel of juggling from the Flowery Kingdom, Rumbo Austin and his comic Nippers, Mays and Hunter the premier American Banjo Experts, Tom Stuart mimic, Mignonette character chanteuse and Danseuse Eccentrique, Cyrus Dare society humourist and Imitator of Funny Children, Lida Dunlo Serio comic vocalist and dancer, T.C. Callaghan Character comedian, Florrie St. Clair Serio and descriptive Vocalist, Haig and Haig knockabout comedy, The...
Dates: 7 January 1901

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 February 1924

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.318
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Barnes Light comedy star, Eric Godley and Leslie Elliott Baritone and piano, The Pall-Malls Artistic Comedy Absurdities, Jack Edwin comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Famous Four Christies acrobatic dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 18 February 1924

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.319
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike Whallen The Comet with Many Tales, Tom Costello Poor Old Clown, Neil Kenyon The Scotsman and His Pack, The Two Graces Duettists and Dancers, Walker and Lake New Comedians and Popular Patter Purveyers, Geo. Antill Evening Shadow Comedian, Mdlle. Du Roche Operatic Soprano Vocalist, Norman Leonard Trio Musical Sketch Players. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 14 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.320
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Merson Comedian, Sammy Shields Scottish Comedian, Boy Ronald Juggler, Cissie Lupino In Songs and Dance, Pam and Girls Acrobatic dancing Novelty, Delaney and Lee Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Empire Operatic Quartette in gems from popular operas. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 22 March 1920

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

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