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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 347 Collections and/or Records:

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 July 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.267
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Lake and Tom Barrasford Vivacious Vocalism, Miles-Stavordale Quintette Songs, J.H. Scotland Comedy Dialect etc, Tom Gott Comedian, The Ziras, Madam Godwin in Musical Act, 'Granny’s Birthday', The Owyns in Harmony, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Murphy and Mack presents 'The Major’s Reflection'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 July 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 July 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.268
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Green and his Company of American Players Act, Claude Gardner Comedian, Connie Browning Comedienne and Dancer, Ivy Barnes Songs and Dances, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 July 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 August 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.269
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Margaret Cooper Piano, May Sherrard Comedienne, Frank Powell Burlesque Patter Comedian, McGregot and Hood Comedians and Dancers, George D’Albert Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Mdle. Zampa Gymnast, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Oliver and Mack In Comedy Skit, 'Hanging a Gate'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 August 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 August 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.270
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Two Bobs Songs and Character Studies, Sisters Reeve Duettists, Melvin and Mayo Comedians and Dancers, Lauri Howard Comedian, Lily Currie Chorus Vocalist, O’Wray and O’Dare Burlesque Comedians, Frank Keith Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Four Cronies Present 'A Night With Rabbie Burns'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 August 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.271
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Robert Reilly Musical Tableaux, The Real McKays Scotch Comedy, Jim Nolan Comedian, Veronica Trio Operatic Selections and Ballads, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Sanni In Comedy Speciality, 'Tit-Bits', Frances Kinders Dainty Vocalist and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ben Osborne and Nellie Perryer Comedy Sketches. Blue and red type.

Dates: 6 September 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 September 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.272
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams in 'Uncle John', Tom Clare Piano and Songs, Ambrose Barker and Peggy Wynne In 'Song Impressions', The Westbrooks (Maudie and Tessie) Novelty Dancing Scena, Jack Poulter Comedian, Tambo and Tambo Tambourines, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting, Pictures, Fayre Four Sisters Tina, Inga, Lilia and Sylva Musical Pot-Pourri. Blue and red type.

Dates: 13 September 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 November 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.273
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jay Laurier Comedian, Susie Marney Chorus Comedienne, Roxy La Rocca Wizard of the Harp, Pauline Travis Male Impersonator, Walton and Lester Burlesque Creations, Evelyn Bergin Comedienne, The Joannys Miniature Shadow Pantomime, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Cecil and Ian Law Piano and Violin. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 November 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 November 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.274
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. J.W. Rickaby Comedian, Betty Barclay and George Glover and at the Piano, E.Westby, Nella Allen American Soprano, Fred and May Comedy Act, Billy and Burke speciality on Wheels, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Douglas and Mona Comedy, Song and Dance Artistes, Billy Reeves Famous Picture Star. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 November 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.275
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Mozart, Twelvetrees Trio Musical Interlude, Les Bastiens Acrobatics and Comedy, Trevor West and Hinsby Two Boys and a Piano, Dan E. Doyle and Myra Eyton Comedy Couple, Ray Varle Ballad Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Harry Herbert Comedian. Blue and red type

Dates: 13 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.276
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Haley’s Juveniles in a Beautiful Christmas Scena, Cecil Baumer Piano, 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 in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Hart and O’Brian The Eccentrique and the Canadian Johnny. Blue and red type.

Dates: 20 December 1920