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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, 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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 December 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.277
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. A Welsh Folk Playlet Entitled 'The Poacher' Played by the Hopkins Family, Haley’s Juveniles in a Beautiful Christmas Scena, Pasquali Brothers Tumblers and Equilibrists, Madge Bilton and Max Burlesque Comedy Couple, Harris Wright Tenor, Herbert Coonie Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Theo Moens Royal Belgian Court Entertainer. Blue and red type.

Dates: 27 December 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 January 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.278
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Ina Hill from the Royal Carl Rosa Opera Co., Jack Thomas Comedian, Razza Human Gramophone, Foster Kershaw, Four Revels Premier Dancers, Harry Moore Paper Manipulator, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Julot and Piero Silliness. Blue and red type

Dates: 3 January 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 January 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.279
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike S. Whallen Prince of Extempore, Horace Jones and Partner in 'Seaside Scena', Four K-Foleys 'Coffee Stall Embankment Scena', Ethel Toms Contralto, Max Sterling Illusionist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Jack Boot Comedian, The Four Richards Magnificent and Artistic. Blue and red type

Dates: 17 January 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 January 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.280
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vernon Watson Entertainer and Mimic, Terry Wilson Comedy Star, Lune and Shaw Comedy Character Act, The Hadens Singers and Continental Dancers, Albert and Rogers New Zealand’s Premier Artistes, Tom Lee with and without a Piano, Wee Dorothy Dodd Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Hinsle Comedian Illusionist. Blue and red type

Dates: 24 January 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 February 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.281
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Mayne The Simple One, Larkum Brothers Comedy Duo, The Kitchen Comedy Four Featuring Bella Moody, Woolven Trio in Melodies Old and New, Tom Rees Entertaining Irishman, Frances Kinders Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Jean Andrews soprano. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 February 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 February 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.282
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey, Lue Joyce, De Busse Piano-Accordionist, Wells and Nash Comedians and Dancers, Dan Whitley Comic, Nelli Nora Instrumental Speciality, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Renee and Godfrey Girl and Boy Dancers. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 February 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 March 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.283
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Lancashire Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Ford and Lewis, the Two Navy Cuts, James Hunter Society Raconteur, Carvet and Verena Dancers, Bay Russell and Sophie Forrest In Musical trifle, 'Outed', Cinders and a Spark Vocal Scena, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 7 March 1921

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 Poster 23 May 1892
Argyle Theatre Poster 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster

 Digital Image
Reference code: 178-r012-024
Dates: 23 May 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.32
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Ritters (Victor and Emanuel) Refined Grotesque Instrumentalists, Miss Rosie Kendall The Miniature Marie Loftus, Mr Harry Slade, Miss Polly Redfern Vocalist, The Electricone Introduced by Professor Duemain, Miss Marie Violetta Characteristic Serio Comic and Ballad Vocalist, Messrs. Ashley and Beach the Acme of Ethiopian Eccentricity, Miss Maud Della Burlesque Actress and Dancer, Burgess’ Combination in 'Easy Difficulties', Miss Lottie Adams Male...
Dates: 31 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.33
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Herr Grais Eccentric Chef, Miss Jenny Martini Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Regan and Ryan Knockabout Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Sisters De Grey Character Duettists and Dancers, Johnny Renson and Rose Waite 'The Incomparable Two', Mr James Bowman Hibernian Comedian and Dancer, Messrs. Dudley and Dawson English Character Comedians and Extempore Dancers, Mr Will Franks Comic and Descriptive vocalist, Mr F.W. Wilkinson Irish Comedian. Printed...
Dates: 14 November 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 November 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.34
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sherman and Morisey American Comedians, Sisters Schofield Refined Character Duettists and American, Song and Dance Artistes, Mr Leodale Character Actor, Author, Vocalist and Reciter, Messrs Cranston and Curtis Irish Delineators, Mr Alf Bilford Eccentric Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Frank Vincent and Johnny Hart Black Faced Performers and Classical Exponents of Minstrelsy, Sisters Craven Burlesque artistes, Vocalists and Dancers, Mr Arthur West Extempore...
Dates: 21 November 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.35
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Tom Bassett Impersonator, Miss Ruth Grovesnor Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Messrs. Ashford and Guinard Character Dilineators, Miss Nellie Oldene Serio-Comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Miss J. Matthews Lady Acrobatic and Talking Clown, Mr Austin Lenton Vocal Comedian and Burlesque Actor, Sisters Albert (Rose and Blanche) Duettists and Song and Dance, Artistes, Mr Frank Hayward Comic Vocalist and Descriptive Actor, Little Tony Midget...
Dates: 12 December 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 January 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.36
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Farrell and Wilmot Irish Comedians, Miss Bessie St. John Burlesque, Descriptive, Serio-comic and Dancer, Mr Bob Gardner Double Voiced Vocalist and Tyrolean Harmonist, Sisters Conlan Duettists and Dancers, Major Devono Illusionist, Sisters Vose Duettists, Vocalists and Wonderful Dancers, Frank Travis Vocal Comedian, Madeline Rosa Lady Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 16 January 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 March 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.37
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Brothers Harrisson Hibernian Comedy, Miss Archie Richards Serio-Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Walter Emsley American Comedian and Musical Expert, Miss Nelly Mac Descriptive Vocalist and Empress of Low Comedy, Mr Dave Cotterill Comic Vocalist and Dramatic Reciter, The Combineation in Absurdity, 'A Great Mistake', Miss Ada Whitton Male Impersonator, Mr Ted Hensey Dancer, Miss Lily Barrington Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Skirt Dancer, Miss Myra...
Dates: 20 March 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.38
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Arthur Lloyd Vocal Comedian, Professor Alf. Holmes and Miss Marion Lena in Their Bewildering Performance Both Novel and Amusing, Mr George Prince Character Comic Vocalist, Messrs. Sawyer and Ellis Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Mons. De Cone Grandest Wizard Show on Earth, Sisters Leslie Duettists and Dancers, Mr Harry King-Lloyd and Miss Annie King-Lloyd will Appear in a Selection From Their Numerous Sketches Nightly, Miss Violet...
Dates: 3 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.39
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. E.C. Dunbar Vocal Actor, Miss Cissie Trent Quick Change Artiste, Mr J.L. Chippendale Hibernian Vocalist, comedian and dancer, Miss Retta Richter Serio Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Harry Foster in 'Mirthful Moments' Vocal Phenomenon, Louisiana Minstrels Comedy Team, Miss Polly Redfern Vocalist, Mr George Regent Comic Extempore and Topical Vocalist, Frank O’Mara Vocalist and Dancer, The Gatwards (Hal and Winnie) Speciality Performers. Printed by...
Dates: 10 April 1893

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