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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 Collection

 Fonds
Reference code: NFA0117
Scope and Contents

This collection contains a large number of posters as well as business records including records of artist bookings, accounts, scrapbooks, contracts and correspondence.

Dates: 1865 - 1941
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, 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

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 March 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.10
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Ripon popular comic vocalist, Pretty Peggy Pond Lady Speciality artiste, T.H. Spears Vocal Character Actor, The Bros. McGrath Sensational Knockabouts, Irish and American Comedians, Dancers and Burlesque Actors, Miss E.C. Arnold Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Tom Stanley Dutch and Character Comedian and Characteristic Change Artiste, Mr Fred Austin Vocalist and Dancer, Messrs. Geraghty and Gilligan the Conversational Comedians. Printed by S....
Dates: 17 March 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 March 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.11
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Lombartos England’s Premier Musical Clowns, Flo Hazel Tyrolean Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Will Bishop Top-Boot and Hornpipe Dancer, Brothers Forrester Knockabout Irish Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Mr Marcus Boyle Character Comedian, Harry Leon Variety Artiste and Dancer, Sisters Reefern the Original ‘Lancashire Witches’, Johnny and Marcella Hargreaves Variety Entertainers and Dancers for Easter Monday April 7th, Darby, Handford and Spry, Flo...
Dates: 31 March 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 June 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.12
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Yankee Henri Carney Comedian, Mimic, Vocalist and Dancer, Miss Bella Viller Vocalist, The Niagara Boys, Frank and Jim US Burlesque Boxing Act in ‘I see it coming’, Harry Leander Dutch and Tyrolean Vocalist, Annie St. Pierre Male Impersonator, etc., Mr Sam Ridway Vocal Comedian and Characteristic Comic, Chippendale and Ashley Refined Irish Comedians and Dancers, Mr. J.P. Curlett-‘The new Ashcroft. ‘The Coming Man’. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 9 June 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 June 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.13
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Fred Alberto Character Vocalist and Dancer, Bella and Bijou Refined and Pleasing Duets, Songs, Hornpipes, Flings Etc., Mr Harry Manton Characteristic Vocal Comedian, Miss Rosa Dell Operatic Vocalist, The Fothergill Combination Screaming Absurdists in ‘The Strolling Player’, Miss May Arline Serio and Dancer, Mr. Frank Rowland Eccentric Comedian and Vocalist, Miss Florence Comedian Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer, Sisters Dewhurst, Amy and...
Dates: 30 June 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 October 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.14
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Baldwin Cat Renowned Parachutist!, Miss Selina Seaford Operatic and Ballad Vocalist Will Tyrrell New Lion Comique, Miss Peggy Pond Mimic, Vocalist, Actress and Dancer, Messrs. Bickley and Barron Refined Musical Comedian, Duettists and Dancers Bob Martin ‘Silence and Fun’, Miss Florence Hayes Everybody’s Favourite Patriotic, Extempore and Serio-Comic Lady, T.H. Spears, Military Monarch Vocal Character and Descriptive, Vocalist, Mr. A.P. Boswell...
Dates: 13 October 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 November 1890

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.15
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Lizzie Valrose Comedienne, Mr Fred Cairns Versatile Character Comedian and Dancer, The Sisters Olive Duettists and Dancers, Jessie Hart Burlesque Artiste, Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Dick Geldard New Songs, New Characters and Old Favourites, Miss Kate Gower Electric Transformation Dancer, Bob Bradford Refined Character Comedian, Miss Maud Distin Lady Baritone, Mr W.F. Moss Vocal Comedian, Daltry Higgins and Selina Seafort in their new Entertainment,...
Dates: 17 November 1890

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 January 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.16
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Frazer and Allen America’s Recognised Comedians in Their New and Original Absurdity Entitled "Mixtures", Gladys Lorne Serio-Comedian, 3 Stannards and Miss Patrick Variety Performance, Mr Arthur West Extempore Vocalists. ‘The Captains Called The, Mate and the Mate said “Oh!”, Sisters Flexmore Duettists and Dancers, Voltynes Classical Comical Performance on the Triple Horizontal Bars, Ted Millins Comedian and Dancer, Brady and Johnson Variety...
Dates: 26 January 1891

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 February 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.17
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Donaldson Brothers America’s Greatest and Most Marvellous performers, Mr. J.H. Haslam Comic Singer and Champion Dancer, Charlie Joy Serio-Comic Singer and Champion dancer, The Musical Mataros, Edgar Izon Vocalist, Mr Arthur West Vocalist, Nellie North Serio-Comic and Dancer, Forrest combination in "Sunshine after Rain". Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 2 February 1891

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 April 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.18
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Two Macs Irish Comedians, Peggy Pond vocalist, Sisters Weston Duettists and Dancers, Mr Alex Blane Tyrolean Vocalist and Swiss Warbler, Miss May Maccabe Serio-Comic Vocalist, Mr T.H. Spears Military and Comic Vocalist, Hibbs’ Quartette, Miss Ada Lundberg comedy, Next Week, April 13th, The Great Millis. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 6 April 1891

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 November 1891

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.19
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sam Jesson Comedian, Miss Maud Hilton The Tyrolean Queen, Miss Edith Clare Burlesque, Mr Harry Shaw Musical Comedian, Miss Amy Russell Soprano Vocalist, Tony Griffin Feeney Redivivus, Irish Comedian, Miss Georgina Boyack Female Jester, Sandro Vio Famous Wizard King and Comic Conjuror, Miss Eva Merrywood Singer and Dancer, Robinsons Scotch, Irish and American Artistes, Mr W. Randall Robsonian Comic and Actor, Mr J.C. Heffron Character Comedian,...
Dates: 2 November 1891

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 February 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.20
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. White, Cary and Brown American Speciality Team, Miss Grace Vaughan Serio-vocalist and character actress, Sailor Bailey Topical and Comic Vocalist, Mr Paul Pelham Vocalist, Miss Madge Kelley Serio-Comic Vocalist, Mr W.H. Grosvenor Political, Pathetic and Comic Vocalist, Mr Mark Milton Vocal Comedian and Grotesque Dancer, Miss Nellie Gertine Descriptive and Double-Voiced Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 15 February 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 March 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.21
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Alf George and Miss Rubie Lee Comedians, Miss Kitty Darling Serio Comic, Mr Harry Leander Tyrolean Vocalist, Sisters Weston (Marie and Emily) vocalists and dancers, Miss Florrie Villa Military, Descriptive and Ballad Vocalist, Mr Fred Herbert Comic Vocalist, Sisters Glen Dancers, Messrs. Clarence and Bell Burlesque Knockabouts and Komic Kharacter Komedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 7 March 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 March 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.22
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Six Sisters Mathews ‘The Greatest Lady Artistes in the World, Mr Tom Traynor Vocal Comedian and Speciality Entertainer, Miss Minnie Welch Serio-Comic and Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Tracy and Lyons Irish Comedy, Mr Harry Sungham Vocalist and Plantation Boot Dancer, Miss Rose Vane Serio-Comic Vocalist and Champion Lady Slab Dancer, Mr Charlie Seel Comic Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 21 March 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 April 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.23
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Dwight and Ray 'The Funniest Olla potrida Eccentrics Extant', Miss Annie D’Lonra Character Vocalist and Dancer, Dave Cotterill Descriptive Light Comedy Vocalist, The Bros. Brady Irish Comedians and Dancers, Miss Louie D’Albert Impersonator, Messrs. Edmunds and Rudd Knockabouts and Dancers, Mr Walter Rignold 2nd week, Miss Nellie Lovell Male Impersonator, Mr Fred Carlos Author, Comedian and Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool....
Dates: 25 April 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 May 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.24
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Henry Wardroper and Miss Florence Rivier Satirists, Miss Violette Temple the Original 'Fisher Girl', Mr Charles Clarendon Character Comic Vocalist and Mimic, Mssrs. Maxford and O’Rell Eccentric Comedians, Miss Susie Dawson Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Bob Gates Big Boot Dancer, Mr Bert Delmar Comic Vocalist, Mr Fred Harvey Eccentric comedian and Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.

Dates: 23 May 1892

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