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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, 24 September 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.53
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr. G.W. Hunter 'The Mark Twain of the Music Halls', Edgar and Morgan Duettists and Dancers, Miss Lilly Burnand Popular London Star, The Korries in Their Cunning, refined and Clever Entertainment, 'Le Jardin de Musique', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Alf Asher Comedian and Dancer, Dan Idle Thinnest Man in the World, The O’Malleys Irish Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 24 September 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.54
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun! Twenty to Thirty Minutes of Perpetual Motion. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.55
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun!, Billy Seward Negro Comedian, Miss Edith St. Clair Serio Comedienne, Mr Arthur Albert Actor, Vocalist and Comedian, Miss Millie Varcoe Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr. J. Pheyey Eccentric Character Comedian, Mr Harry Maxam Eccentric Comedian and Expert Dancer, The Boundy and Glynn, Continental Troupe of Ladies Instrumentalists, Vocalists and Dancers. Monday next Evans and Luxmore. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.56
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Evans and Luxmore Musical Comedy Team, Miss Louie Cassatti Tyrolean Operatic Ballad Vocalist, The Boston Twins Comedians, Burlesque Boxers and Pantomimists, Miss Lily May Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Walter Rignold Comedian, The American sisters Duettists, vocalists and Dancers, Miss Lydia Dudley Vocalist and Dancer, Mr James Taylor Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and purple type.

Dates: 10 December 1894

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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.85
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red on yellow.

Dates: 18 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.86
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type on beige.

Dates: 18 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.87
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack 'rumps'Doyle and his Aces of Rhythm with Joe Ferrie and Nino Monti in Hot Music, Hatton and Manners Comedians, Two Rascals Entertainers and a Piano, Jack Henry Whistling Comedian, Michael Moore Impressionist, Marie and Jose Anderson Dancers, Buddy Clarke with Mum and Dad Novelty, Fred Culpitt Conjuror, Gulliver and his 7 dwarfs Burlesque Comedians. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type

Dates: 15 January 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.88
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Aces BBC and Recording Stars, Dominic Roche and Company in 'Home and Duty', Larry Kemble A Darned Nuisance, Wally Wood Comedian, Les Parisanas Musical Moments, Cawalini’s Dogs, The Young China Troupe Contortions and Acrobatics. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster, Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 29 January 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.89
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Judy Shirley The Star of 'Monday Night at Seven', Baker Dove and Allen International Club Men, The Reid Twins, The Valmar Trio from the Tower Circus, Blackpool, The McDonald and Maurice Twins, George Boyd Comedian, Don Carlos BBC Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool.

Dates: 9 September 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 October 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.94
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Vesta Tilley The London Idol, Francois Equilibristic Act, Frank Hayward The Great Star, Foreman and Fannan The Aristocratic Irishman, Miss Rose Dornton Serio and Top-Boot dancer, Mad’lle Dagmar The bohemian Marvel, Mr Pete Bradie Amusing Negro Entertainer, Mr George Ripon. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and black type.

Dates: 27 October 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 November 1889

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.96
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Tommy Burns Champion High Diver, Miss Rose Dornton Song and Dance Artiste, Clog, Pump and Tap-Boot dancer, Mr Will Hoare Novelty Dancer, Sisters Wright, Ada and Annie Characteristic Duettists, Dancers, Burlesque and American Song and Dance Artists, Mr Will Hebden Star Comedian, Swiss warbler and Mimic, Miss Lily Ma Pet Mimic and Serio Comic, Mr Tom Vernon Vocal Comedian Dancer, Instrumentalist and Novel Song and Dance Artiste, Pete Bradie Negro...
Dates: 11 November 1889

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 February 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.97
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Rose Collinetti Mandoline and Banjo Soloist, American Song and Dance Artiste and Premier high Pedestal Performer, Ben Ray Old Veteran, Johnny Macdonald Vocalist and Tyroleon Warrior, Fay and Foy Ireland’s own Character Comedians and Dancers, Mr Frank Seymour Character Dialect Comedian and Premier Top-boot dancer, Miss Minnie Ray Serio and Dance Artiste, Milton’s Marvellous Marionettes. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Brown and...
Dates: 10 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.100
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Prof. E.R. Dinez’s Wonderful Circus, Educated Ponies, Performing Goats and Smiler the Performing Donkey, Nelly Gannon Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Harry Wright Character Comedian, Wilkie Bard Delineator of the Coster Art, J.H. Sephton Vocalist, Dancer and Speciality Instrumentalist, Lilly Langtry Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Nellie Stratton Serio Comic and Burlesque Actress Dutch Daly comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 30 September 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.101
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr. Arthur Lennard singer, Mr Will Evans(late of Evans and Luxmor) comedian and dancer, The Brantfords American stars in 'Prof. Muddlehead'. Monday next, Millie Hylton London Star and Burlesque Actress. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green type.

Dates: 18 November 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 October 1895

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.102
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ara, Zebra and Vora Premier Pyramidists and Pedepulists of the World, Miss Lily Burnand Comedienne, Mitzi Japanese Juggler, The Wal Pink Comedy Troupe in 'An April Fool', The 2 Leonas Songs and Dances, Miss Flo Lacey Characteristic Comedienne, Agnes Liston Serio and Ballad Vocalist and Mandolinist, Mr Alec Hurley Comedian and Exponent of Coster Songs. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 28 October 1895

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 February 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.103
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Mannons Pantomimists, Fillis’ South African Dogs, Miss Lizzie Valrose Serio Comic Vocalist, Miss Ailsa Cairns Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Mr Alec Burnard Comedian and Vocalist, Adolph Faue Wire Equilibrist and Expert Tumbler, Mr Harry Zetter Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Mr Walter Purssord Necromancer and Patterer Assisted by Mr Sydney Lee. Monday next, Tennyson and O’Gorman. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green, red and...
Dates: 10 February 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 August 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.104
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Spry and Florrie Austin Comedy Act, Myra May Soprano Vocalist, Brothers Howard Unique Second Sight Performance, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Miss Kate Toole Burlesque Actress, Little Tony Character Comedian, Nora Connor Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Maud Needham Serio and Ballad Vocalist, Mr Charles Seel Character Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue, red and yellow type.

Dates: 10 August 1896

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