Skip to main content

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, 24 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.40
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Hugh Dempsey Irish Comedy, Merrie Jennie Leslie Vocalist and Dancer, Mr. J.W. Nixon Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Madame Pollinta’s Wonderful Manikins!, Sisters Hill Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Finlay and Rankin, the Clipper Boys Black Original Yankee Specialities, Miss Flo Varley Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Professor Woodhead Musical Marvel. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 24 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 May 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.41
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Daltry, Higgins and Miss Selina Seaforth in ‘Jack’s Return!, Miss Carrie Anderson Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer, The St. Johns (Gale and Edith) Vocalists, Instrumentalists and Expert Dancers, Miss Lena Dorrett Burlesque Actress, Mr Jake Graham Facial and Burlesque Comedian, Miss Nellis Lovell Male Impersonator, Fred Gould Vocalist, The 5 Arlottes, 'The Merry Menials'. Special Notice! Grand Complimentary Benefit to Hal Aubrey (Manager)...
Dates: 1 May 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 May 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.42
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Classical Duettists and Dancers, Miss Leah Adell Soprano, Operatic Vocalist, The Durhams (Fred and Minnie) Variety Entertainers and Incomparable Dancers, Fothergill Combination in Their New Drawing Room Entertainment, 'Diamonds!', Miss Lizzie Ramsden Transformation Dancer, Mr Harry Christy Comedian and Vocalist, Miss Emilie Pearce the Southern Star, Messrs. Rhodes and O’Rourke Trans-Atlantic Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by...
Dates: 15 May 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 June 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.43
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Charles Bignell, ‘The Dodger Up-to-Date Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 12 June 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.44
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Arthur Sullivan and Ethel Silvena in 'A Dutchman’s Courtship', Great American Speciality Stars Includes Songs, Dances and Quick Changes, Miss Vesta Sunshine Little Actress, Mr. F.A. Burnand Vocal Character Comedian, Sandy and Carl The Two Dromios, Miss Lizzie Payne Burlesque Actress and Dancer, Miss Alice Townsend Soprano and Burlesque Actress, The Three Volbecques Acrobatic Sketch Artistes, Miss Daisy Gertrude Serio Comic and Top-Boot Dancer, Bob...
Dates: 14 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.45
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Mannons in their Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Sisters Spightley Duettists, Vocalists and Speciality Dancers, Mr. E. W. Selman Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Miss Mabel Comley the Sultan of Serios, Professor Howard American Illusionist and Thought Reader, Miss Nellie Oldene New York Star, Harry Stanley the Miniature Charles Godfrey, Mr Harry Dashwood Character Vocal Comedian, Miss Rosie Elliott Burlesque Actress and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates: 21 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.46
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sisters Philips and Brothers Lorenzi 'The Four Comical Cards!', Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 28 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.47
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mar Charles Bignell 'The Dodger Up-to-Date', Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 13 November 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 February 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.48
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alice Leamar Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Salmon Trick and Musical Bicycle Riders, Mr Dick Dunn Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Helen Vaneycken Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Renson and Waite Variety Artistes and Dancers, Miss Leza Leoni Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Mr Jos. Dixon Character Comedian and Dancer, Wal Pink Comedy Troupe in 'The Parrot'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 12 February 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.49
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Bellonini New Novel and Wonderful Entertainment Sensation of the Season, Miss Louise Ford Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Mt James Carson American Comedian and Soft Shoe Dancer, The Schallers (Arthur and Pam) Humorous Act, Singing, Dancing and Gymnastics, Rose Durran Serio Comic Vocalist and Champion Lady Dancer, Mr Frank Pirrung Foot Equilibrist, Mr John Ovenden Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, The Korries in Their Extremely Funny, Refined and...
Dates: 2 April 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.50
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The 6 Mannons in their Great Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Will Hebden Vocal Comedian, Mad’lle de Rose Lady Baritone, Mr Alf Rivers Comic, Miss Kitty Clare Serio Comic, Mr Jos Dixon Dutch Comedian and Top-boot Dancer, Miss Cissie Maurice Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Frank Caffrey Irish Comedian and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 30 April 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 May 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.51
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Grand Production, for six nights only, by the Mannons of their Original Pantomimic Burlesque Operetta entitled Logical Lodgers Written and Invented by Mr S.H.Mannon. A powerful company of variety artist will also appear. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 7 May 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 May 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.52
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Walter Munroe Irish Comedian and Dancer, Ada Blanchem Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and dancer, The Dennisons Eccentric Knockabout Pantomimists, Carrie Anderson Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Winona Aerial Rifle Act, Mr J.T. Daniels Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Yates and Emslie Operatic Vocalists, Sisters Wyatt Duettists and Dancers, The Pinellis Continental Eccentric Musical Grotesque Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 14 May 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 September 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.53
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr. G.W. Hunter 'The Mark Twain of the Music Halls', Edgar and Morgan Duettists and Dancers, Miss Lilly Burnand Popular London Star, The Korries in Their Cunning, refined and Clever Entertainment, 'Le Jardin de Musique', Miss Connie Ediss Vocalist and Dancer, Alf Asher Comedian and Dancer, Dan Idle Thinnest Man in the World, The O’Malleys Irish Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 24 September 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.54
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun! Twenty to Thirty Minutes of Perpetual Motion. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.55
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Les Donatos Marvels of Equilibrium, Force, and Fun!, Billy Seward Negro Comedian, Miss Edith St. Clair Serio Comedienne, Mr Arthur Albert Actor, Vocalist and Comedian, Miss Millie Varcoe Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr. J. Pheyey Eccentric Character Comedian, Mr Harry Maxam Eccentric Comedian and Expert Dancer, The Boundy and Glynn, Continental Troupe of Ladies Instrumentalists, Vocalists and Dancers. Monday next Evans and Luxmore. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 December 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.56
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Evans and Luxmore Musical Comedy Team, Miss Louie Cassatti Tyrolean Operatic Ballad Vocalist, The Boston Twins Comedians, Burlesque Boxers and Pantomimists, Miss Lily May Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Walter Rignold Comedian, The American sisters Duettists, vocalists and Dancers, Miss Lydia Dudley Vocalist and Dancer, Mr James Taylor Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and purple type.

Dates: 10 December 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 February 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.7
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Colonel Chevalier, E. David Boone and Miss Milly Carlotta The Famous American Lion Tamers with their den of Performing Lions, Miss Louise D’Albert Ballad and descriptive Vocalist, Song and Dance Artiste, and clog Dancer, Mr Hal Croueste London Comedian and Actor Vocalist, Master Harry Britto Boy Champion Slab Clog Dancer of the World, Miss Nelly Allen Serio-Comic and Dancer, Mr Harry Gill The Original Irish Gentleman, English and Irish character...
Dates: 3 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 February 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.8
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Olympian Quintette American Humorists, Sweet Vocalists introducing Glees, Trios and Miscellaneous Song, Emilie Presto Serio-comic, Hornpipe and Scottish Dancer, Captain Austin Champion Rifle Shot of the World, Jim Henderson Vocal Comedian and Dancer, Burns and Leech Merry Whimsical Musical Pair, Mr Fred Howe Comedian, high Pedestal Acrobatic Blade Skate, Dancer and Variety Artiste, Messrs. Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and the Bros. Slocum, American...
Dates: 24 February 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 March 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.9
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Silvani troupe four lady bicyclists, Adele, Emmaline, Winifred and Belle in "The Carnival of Badoura Lanterns", Miss Louie Deakin, “The Rocket Queen”, Walter Westwood, The Crayon King Colodianist, Comedian and Colour Sketcher, Bob Cates Eccentric Negro Comedian and Dancer, The Olympian Quintette All New Glees, Tricks and Miscellaneous Songs, Miss Nellie Ward Serio and Dancer, T.C. Brannan-Irish Comedian and Vocalist Back From Kansas by Messrs....
Dates: 3 March 1890

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