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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, 18 December 1911

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.204
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Beth Tate Comedienne, Morny Cash, The Lancashire Lad, Four Sollies Music, Dancing Trick Comedy etc, Steve Bartle English Concertina Soloist, Lizzie Glenroy Scotch Comedienne and Dancer, Ellis Barrieton Vocalist, W. Selkirk’s Grand Juvenile Spectacle, The Boy Scouts, Kinemacolor The Only Existing Steroescopic Life Motion Pictures. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 18 December 1911

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 February 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.205
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Radford and Valentine Juggling Jesters, Maggie Benson Comedienne, Mr and Miss Debrean Japanese Entertainers, Henry Helme Singer from the French Alps, Haidee De Rance Violinist and Vocalist, Johnson and Bert Character Comedians, Victor Travers Eccentric Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, J.W. Rickaby Burlesque Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 10 February 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.206
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Happy Fanny Fields Jolly Dutch Girl Character, Andy McLeod American Comedian, Instrumentalist, Raconteur, The Three Vims Juggling Act, Brothers Leo Comedians, Tom Stuart Burlesque Comedian, Silbon’s Cats Animal Training, Eily Adair Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, McConnell Trio Vocal Comedy Sketch, The Dayton Family, Comical Smart Acrobatic and Risley Display. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 February 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 March 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.207
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn Vaudeville Act, Lloyd Morgan Comedian, Mayme Remington and Her Piccaninnies American Novelty Act, Gus Hindell Monologist, Gene Morelle Comedy Tramp Musician, Stella Stahl Comedienne, Jack Lorimer, the Hielan Laddie, Tom and Nell In Hits, Bumps and Other Things, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Esta Stella, the Original Military Maid. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 10 March 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 March 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.208
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wee Georgie Wood in 'Baby in India', Beaumont Collins, Renowned Actress, and West-End London, Company in Domestic Comedy Sketch, 'Bed-Fellows', Mary Mars in Scena 'In the Shadow of the Pyramids', Phil Rees’ Stable Lads in 'After the trial', Tom E. Dean Comedian, Nellie Lewis Chorus Songster, Jack W. Brooke Yorkshire Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Cosgrove and Burns Comedy Duettists, J.P. Ling in Laughable Burlesque. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 March 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 April 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.209
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Dorothy Ward Principal Boy and Musical Comedy Artiste, Shaun Glenville Comedian, Mrs. Walder Wallis Presents the 6 Puritan Maids in Vocal And Instrumental Entertainment, Torino American jugglers, J.H. Wakefield Coon Character Delineator, Jenny and Joe Comedy Songs and Neat Dances, The Mannings Acrobatic and Equilibristic Display, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Lyres (H.L. Harvey, F.C.Henderson and S.B. Lewis) American Comedy Musical Trio. Printed...
Dates: 7 April 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 April 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.210
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Conrad and Whidden American Ragtime, Charles Norton Mimetic Comedian, The Rawsons Musical Entertainers, Sisters Marion Popular Duettists, Dave Carter Irish Tenor, Evelyn Bergen Vocalist and Dancer, The Westwoods Cycle Act, Lawrence Barclay Character Comedian, O’Gorman Bros. Clever Songs and Neat Dances, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Adam Tomlinson Tyneside Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 April 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.211
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Willette Whitaker Vocalist Assisted by F. Wilbur Hill, Valazzi Juggler, Pedipulator and Aviator, Carr’s Juvenile American Ragtime Octette, Stacey and Williams In Their Drawing Room Interlude, Beatrice Allen Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Bella Chevaux Sporano Vocalist, Shirley and Ransome In Their Episode of Coster Life, 'The Seperation Order', George D’Albert Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.212
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Original Rab and Teenie in 'Bunty Pulls the Strings', George Tawde and Eva McRoberts in Scotch Comedy 'Elder’s Hours', Mike S. Whallen Extempore and Rapid Fire Humorist, Cissie Curlette Comedienne, The Three Its (Ciss, Will and Fred) Vocalists and Dancers, Blake and Granby Comedy Duologue, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Dales Vocal and Instrumental Speciality, Miss Frances McNulty Song Dance and Costume, Marny Cash Quaint Comedian. Printed by...
Dates: 9 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 June 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.213
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Two Coleys American Black-Faced Team, Daisy Stirling, 'the Versatile Girl', Ernest Krake and Company of Comedians, Jock Mills Scotch Character Comedian, Gwinnie Llewellyn Vocalist, Harvey Boys Patter Comedians in Comedy and Boxing Sketch, 'The Was Me', Mark Stuart Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Three Keltons Instrumentalists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 June 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 July 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.214
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Clarice Mayne and her Pianist, Jack Edge Lancashire Comedian, Victorine and Manelli Vocal and Instrumental Entertainment, The Brennans Duettists and Clog Dancers, Albert Rees Entertainer at the Piano, Bob and Jennie Leonard Comedy, Bert Earle Jumping and Dancing Act, Betty Boden Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Goldsmith and Hoppe American Comedy Team. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 7 July 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 July 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.215
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Aubrey Fitzgerald and Frank Hill in Farce 'Getting the Bird', Wal Langtry Comedian, Rathskellar Trio (Mitchell, Wells and Lewis) Piano, Laughter and Song, 8 Seaside Girls Vocalists and Dancers, Nita Crystal and Geoffrey Saville in 'Early Closing Night', Rose Cambry Comedienne, Sisters Allen Dainty Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, A.D. Robbins and his Co. Cycle Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 July 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 September 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.216
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Aubrey Fitzgerald and Frank Hill in Farce 'Getting the Bird', Horace Hunter and Company Including Miss Lily Hammersley in 'The Years Between', Alec Hurley Character and Coster Comedian, The Three Rascals (Charles, Monty and Walter) American Vaudeville, Alick Lauder Scottish Character Songs, Estelle Collette Young Violinist, Milner and Storey, Bert Rayburn Quaint Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Edson and his Wonderful Dog Doc. Printed by S....
Dates: 29 September 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 November 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.217
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Two Bobs (Bob Adams and Bob Alden) song and comedy, Maide Scott Comedienne, H.O. Wills Comedian, The Kebbles Duettists, Julian Mack The Topical Talker, Roma and Roman Classical Musicians, Billy Hobbs Coon Impersonator, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Little Freddie Hackin Boy Quick Change Artist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 3 November 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 December 1913

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.218
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Mozart Comedian, The Record Quartette South African Novelty Banjo Act, J.H. Wakefield Coon delineator, Prue Purl Entertainer, Harold Baker, Carter Livesey and Lillian Roseberry Comedy Sketch, Freda Waring Vocal Comedienne, Lorenz Four Vocalists and Acrobatic Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Woody, Wood and Wells Acrobatic Absurdity. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 December 1913

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 January 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.219
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Constance Drever with Mr Victor Marmont at the Piano, Mann and Franks Singing Comedy Act, Murfayne Xylophone King, Elsie Kerry Comedienne, Christie Duo Comedy and Dancing Team, Farrer and Griffiths’ Merry Mascots Vaudeville, Fred Evans in Original Burlesque, "Dreams of Oliver Twist", Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Jack Thomas Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 January 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 February 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.220
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lipinski’s 40 Dog Comedians, A Wonderful Animal Pantomime, Arthur Lennard Actor-Vocalist, J.W. Wilson and Nellie Waring Comedy Duo, Gipsy Woolf and Girls Including Doff Dee in Musical Scene, 'Jimmy Valentine’s Pat!', Billy Simpson Comedian, Stacey and Williams Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Thornton and Emma Wagner American Vocalist and Instrumental Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 February 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 March 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.221
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian, Mollie Lindsay and company in Scotch Sketch 'The Washing House Key!', Nelson Jackson Storyteller and Entertainer, Sisters Jerome Duettists and Dancers, Lloyd Morgan Comedian, Bros. Curran Boxing Comedians, Cooke Juggling Joker, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Donovan Family Musical Act. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 March 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 March 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.222
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Arlington and Company Comedy Sketch, Daisy Stirling, Nat Clifford Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope The Grand National 1914, Marie Blythe Descriptive Vocalist, George Crowther Light Comedian, Evans, Harris and Peek Song and Dance, The O’Mahonys Irish Songs. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 March 1914

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 May 1914

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.223
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Gilby Lancashire Comedian, Frederick Sylvester and Company, World’s Smallest Acrobats, The New Macs Knockabout Comedians, Patterers and Dancers, Rita Rhylle Dainty Comedian, Arthur Young Vocal Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope The Curse of War, Sam Kelly Scotch Comedian, The Kirbys Versatile Comedy and Burlesque Team. Blue and red type.

Dates: 18 May 1914

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 353
Digital Record 3
Collection 2
 
Subject
Performers 351
Music-halls 347
Comedians 322
Singing 272
Dance 245