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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, 4 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.284
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hilda Glyder, Wal Langtry Comedian, Bob Thomas Presents The Royal Viona Quartette Classical and Jazz Banjoists, Jim C. Max Coon Songs and Dances, Keith and Joan Dingley Presenting The Waif’s Waif, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Frank Varney and Teddie Butt in Mirthful Stunts. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 April 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.285
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Weldon Burlesque Character Comedian, Phil and Phlora Acrobatic and Dancing Humoresque, Bert Terrell Dutch Comedian, Eileen Audrey Comedienne, Warnock-Wick Trio Irish Comedy Sketch, George Murphy Fun in a Billiard Room, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ackroyd Flautist and Rose Hardy Harpiste. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 April 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 May 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.286
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Sutcliffe Family Scottish Acrobatic Vaudeville, Elizabeth Hyde Soprano Vocalist, Geaiks and Geaiks Eccentrics, Imitateurs, Siffleurs, Foden Williams Vocal Entertainer, Eddie Morrell, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, George Turner Left-Handed Cartoonist, Lois Parker and Percy Tarling Humour and Music. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 May 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 June 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.287
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Tom Clare Piano, May Henderson Dusky Comedy Queen, Dick Tubb Comedian, Ray and Kelly Songs and Dances, Sam Hilton Comedian and Acrobatic Dancer, Dorothy and Rayloo Speciality Duo, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Shogun and Ryder Shooting Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 27 June 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.288
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Lake and Tom Barrasford in Vivacious Vocalism, Archie Hill Tenor, Miss Ellis Drake and Company Scotch Comedy Playlet, 'Oh Mother', Sisco Musical Speciality, Little Vera Kitchen Juvenile Artiste, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joyce Lyn Vocal Comedienne, Franklyn Brothers Amazing Athletes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.289
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ike and Will Scott Comedians, Dave Loch and Carrie Lomond Characteristic Scottish and Irish Scenas, Claude Gardner Comedian, Chicago Three Comedians and Dancers, Emmelyn Walter Song and Story, Arthur Pond Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Brooklyn Comedy Four Singers. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.290
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rolf Slater Comedian, Hobart and Hobbs Comedy, Lune and Shaw Character Comedy Act, Charles and Irene Vestry Athlete and the Dancer, Dennis O’Neill and Irene Sinclair in 'Notes and Nonsense', Lily Denville Dancing Act, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Tom E. Finglass Artistic Coon Delineator. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.291
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Clark and Hamilton in Three Big Scenas, May Sherrard Comedienne, George D’Albert Comedian, Tina Paynola Mimic, Gemmell Bros. Scientific Dancers, Ena and Eva song, Dance and Melody, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Dippy Diers Clowning Absurdities. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.292
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gresham Singers, Brandon and Smith The Chocolate Drop and the Ink Spot, Elsie Southgate Assisted by Victor Gould Violinist, Frank Street Comedian, Connie Browning Revue Artiste and Some Songs, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Nora Dale Comedienne and Dancer, The Flemings Presenting Artistic Creations in Alabaster. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 September 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.293
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rungamah Somnambulastic Visions, Alfredo Vagabond Violinist, J.H. Scotland Opera Voice, Gerbola Trio Italian Comedy Acrobatic and Tumbling Act, Wilf Burnand Character Comedian, Sisters Martin Harmony Duo, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Fred Kitchen Presents the Beswick Twins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 September 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 October 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.294
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Peter Pariss Plaintive Comedy, Vanny Chard Welsh Songstress, The Three Walkers Musical Equilibrists, Louis J. Seymour Comedy Artiste, Diana Dain, Tom and Nell Knockabout Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Gladys Wright and John Hartley in 'Songs Sung Differently'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 October 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.295
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell the Irish Entertainer, Gaston Palmer Juggling Comedian, Harry Ford Comedian, The Martinis Ballroom Dancers, Will Gardiner Comedian, Sisters Gannon Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joseph P. Nolan presents Billy Morris Boxing Display. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 November 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.296
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wish Wynne Comedy Songs and Character Sketches, Pierce and Roslyn A Whirl Of Melody, Paul Thompson in a Vaudeville 'Pick-Me-Up', Gladys Simmonds Soprano, Tom Lee, With and Without a Piano, Tambo and Tambo Tambourines, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, John Barton and Annie Ashley In Comedy Sketch, "Back to Earth". Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 December 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 December 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.297
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Tommy Mostol and Company in 'The Rest Cure', Tailleur Andrews Actor Vocalist, Bert Lindon and Will Moon in a Chocolate and White Vocal Entertainment, Sydney Edwards, the Card Master, Austin Layton Soprano, Carlos Menard Novelty Fiddler, The Two McCrans Eccentric Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Beaucaire and His Butlers Comedy Juggling. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 December 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 January 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.298
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Pickard’s Chinese Syncopators in Musical Scena 'The Land Of Mah Jong', The Mongadors French Jugglers, George Betton Comedian, Anona Winn and Brett Davies, Jack Dukes the Singing Miller, Day Sisters, the Quarelsome Schoolgirls, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Mae Baird and Archie Thompson Dancers From Down Under. Black and red type.

Dates: 20 January 1930

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 July 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.299
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rupert Hazel and Elsie Day in 'Harmonylarity', The Langue Four Acrobatic Dancers, Grant and Cute the Happy Pair, Two Especials Musical Equilibrists, Olive Dyer, the Pocket Melba, Lew Grade the Dancer With Humorous Feet, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Johnson and Bert Comedians. Black and red type.

Dates: 14 July 1930

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 June 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.300
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Payne and Hilliard in Funny Act 'Country and Town', Topsy Turvy Two Dancing, Harrison Viney Piano-Accordion King, Gay and Bubbles with Jeffrey Musical and Dancing Act, Newland and Edwards Comedians, King Tom Fagan King of Coins and Cards, Claude Lester Comedian, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Mae Bard and Archie Thompson Dancers From Down Under. Black and red type.

Dates: 1 June 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 June 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.301
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jackson Owen Comedian, Stan Pell and Stan Little, a Smart Comedian and the Precocious Kid, Revene and Norval Dancing Team, Chas. Keegan Comedy and Songs, Will Power and Page Daring Stunts on a Unicycle, The Darwood Trio Musical, Vocal and Whistling Speciality, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Stan Stafford Vocalist. Black and red Type.

Dates: 8 June 1931

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

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