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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, 29 July 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.242
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Maidie Scott Comedienne, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians, Herbert La Martine Dancer, Harold Baker Eccentric Comedian, Jackson and Marte Comedians, Ivy Hurley Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Gomez Trio Vocal and Instrumentalist Scena. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 July 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.243
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wilkie Bard Comedian, J.H. Scotland Song and Comedy, Woodward and Page Cycling, Music and Dancing, Les Altos Equilibristic Act, Sara Rosebury, the Lively Lancashire Lass, Marie and Rubie O’Rourke Musical Comedy and Dancing, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-Showing Latest War News in Animation John Lester’s Frisco 5, the Jollities of Jazz. Blue and red type.

Dates: 5 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.244
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Margaret Cooper and a Piano, Billy Housini and Company Comedy Juggling and Balancing Act, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Brothers Curran Boxing Comedians, Hayes and Doree Comedy Duo, Sisters Gaye Comediennes and Speciality Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, May Sherrard Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.245
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Westminster Singers Male Voice Quartette, Marcelle and his Unique Partner, a Sea Lion, George Wilby Expressionist and Mimic, The Kitchen Comedy Four, Josephine Langley Ventriloquist, Sisters Gannon Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, G.S. Melvin Versatile Scot. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.246
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Lotinga in New Comedy Sketch 'Wanted A Wife', Fred Barnes incomparable Artiste, The Pigquays and Imp American Novelty Artistes, Delany and Dean Vocal, Comedy and Dancing, Marjorie Fulton Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Rich Hayes Clown, Daisy Taylor-Scotch Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.247
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Graves and Company in 'Koffo, of Bond Street', Tom E. Hughes, Edna Lyall Soprano Vocalist, Roelgin’s Parrots Performing Bird Act, Jaffa Conjoring Comic, Gwennie Morgan Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, George Hatton Presents The Bell-Hattons a Refined Musical Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.248
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Clarice Mayne and That Selections From Their Repertoire, Nora Delany Comedienne, Ernest Krake and Company Comedy Act In 'The Electric Tram Car Conductor', Alex Prince Concertina Soloist, Leonard and Stevens In Comedy Sketch 'Coming Home', Jack Poulter Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Wilfred Burnand Original Character and Song Studies. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.249
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Will Walton and Co. Lancashire Comedy Act, Kitty Curtis Impressionist, Belle and Betty Novel Dancing Scenas, George Ackroyd and Ethel Remish Flautist and Soprano, Nora and Dane Acrobatic Absurdities, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Fred Curran Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.250
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe, Charles Cohan Hebrew Comedian, Sisters Reeve Pantomime Favourites in Dainty Songs and Duets, The Johnnys in Colour Shadow Southwood, His Pink Lady and a Piano, The 2 McCuskers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation Jerome and Carson In Vaudeville Breezes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.251
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mdlle. Marguerite Scialtiel Supported by Jane Wells and Martin, Walker In One Act Comedy 'My Lonely Soldier', Jack Lane Yorkshire Rustic, Mart and Pep Spanish Entertainers Ethal Leslie, The Gallant, Band Master Morris One Man Band, Little Hazel Juvenile Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Oswald Bemand and his Famous Pet Wonder Pigeons. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.252
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilbert Payne and Company In Farcical Comedy, 'Bingle’s Bungle', Jack Thompson and Annie Walker Vocalists Assisted by Cecila, Johnson, Violinist, The Martini’s Piano Cabaret Scena introducing the Latest, American Society Dances, Manuel Vega Comedy Act, Cassie Walmer Eccentric Contralto and Dancer, Katie Butler Character Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Finlay Dunn Joke at the Pian’, Julot and Partner French...
Dates: 21 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.253
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams, 'The Seven Ages of Man', From Baby to Old Man 102, Those Two Nondescripts and a Piano, George de Alma Banjo Boy, Freda Lawrence and Billie Bowie Comedy Entertainers, Sophie Forrest Comedienne, James Barry Dancing Marvel, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Artemas Comedy Illusionist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 28 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.254
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Lily Hammersley and West End Company in 'The Years Between', Haley’s Juveniles Vocal Scena, Lydia and Francis Parisian, Artistic and Acrobatic Dances, Tom Costello Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Thelma Hamilton Soprano Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Frank Whitman Dance Mad Fiddler. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.255
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 2 Rascals, Chas O’Donnell and Eddie Fields, Madge Velma and her Ruffles Lady Vocalists, Frank Keith Light Star Comedian, Francis and Alfred Juggler and Assistant, Stephanie Anderson Dancing and Instrumental Quick Change Act, Nona Dixie Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ronez, the Broken Cellist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 January 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.256
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian Penrose and Whitlock, Harold Moss, Norfolk Gipsy Violinist and Isabel Maachah Musical and Dancing Fantasy, Olga Sydney Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Lue Joyce Perfect Lady, The Mellow Dee’s high Class Repertoire, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, St. Juste and Higgins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 January 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.257
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox Hebrew Comedians, Jock McKay Scots Comedian, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne, De Busse Piano Accordianist, Nelson and Nelson Comedy Acrobats, The Carylls and Chorister, Thelma Hamilton Yorkshire Soprano, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Nelson Jackson Humorist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 February 1920

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

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