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
Found in:
National Fairground and Circus Archive
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster
Digital Image
Reference code: 178-r012-024
Dates:
23 May 1892
Found in:
National Fairground and Circus Archive
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 28 August 1899
Item
Reference code: 178R27.237
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Saker Harlow Trio! Continental Eccentrics, James Dubois, ‘Pongo’ the man monkey, gymnastic, entertainment, Letta and Minnie, Florence Chester Queen of African Coon and descriptive vocalist, Rose Conroy Serio-comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Gus Harris vocal character comedian, Lily Lever ballad and descriptive vocalist, Ryan and Hal L-pantomimic act. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 28 August 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 16 October 1899
Item
Reference code: 178R27.238
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Tom Leamore comedian, The Four Vampires pantomimists, Major Doyle Lilliputian Comedian, Robert Gilbert’s marvellous troupe of acrobatic dogs, The Three Sisters Slater-song and dance, Jesse Burton baritone and descriptive vocalist, The Vitascope, The 2 Emeralds duettists and expert dancers, Lily Marney Irish Comedienne. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 16 October 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 23 October 1899
Item
Reference code: 178R27.239
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. The Marvellous Rikfords, The Eight Eldorado Girls vocalists and dancers, Tony & Frances Ryder -comic bar act introducing the female clown and three trained monkeys, Tom Woottwell loose legged comedian, The New Macs Irish knockabout comedy, Dulcie Laing vocalist and skipping rope dancer, The Dorrells duettists, vocalists and dancers, The Vitascope, Preston and Balmaine Illustrated songs, Duets etc, introducing the latest American Coon songs. Red, blue and yellow type on white...
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 23 October 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 30 October 1899
Item
Reference code: 178R27.240
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Julie Mackey, Gerald Mount Tyrolean and Descriptive Vocalist, Mark Melfords No 2 Company in ‘Between the turns or My Wife Won’t Let Me’, Sisters Leo characteristic Vocalists and Dancers, Chas. Russell character actor-vocalist, Collons’ troubadours lady vocalists and dancers, The Edison Thomas Vitascope, Nellie Stratton Serio-comic vocalist and dancer, Wilkie Bard character comedian. Red, blue and yellow type on white background. Printed by S Griffith & Co, Printers,...
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 30 October 1899
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896
Item
Reference code: 178R27.1
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Fillis’ South African Dogs, The Mannons Renowned Pantomimists, Valrose Serio-Comic Vocalist, Adolph Faue Wire Equilibrist and Expert Tumbler, Miss Ailsa Cairns Serio-Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Mr Alec Burnard Comedian, Author and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Harry Zetter Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Mr Walter Pussord The Great Necromancer and Patterer of the Day, assisted by Mr Sydney Lee. Monday Next, Tennyson and Gorman. Green type on off white background. Printed by S....
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 10 February 1896
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 1 August 1892
Item
Reference code: 178R27.2
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Grand re-opening. The Killeno Family Male and Female Acrobats, Miss Myra Massey Double-voiced Vocalist, Captain Slingsby The Intercepted Letter, Mr Frank Seymour Eccentric Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Evalo and Roisso The Clown and the Turk, Mr J. Forde Irish Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Prof. Norton Royal Court Conjuror and Card King, Poole’s Minstrels. Green and red type on off white background. Printed by S. Griffith & Co, Printers, Liverpool.
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 1 August 1892
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 10 November 1890
Item
Reference code: 178R27.3
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Miss Maud Distin Lady Baritone, Mr Ben Fielding, Miss Nellie Gertine Double-voiced Vocalist, Mad’lle Desirie in ‘Mystia’ a series of charming illusions, Brothers Bondolas The Monarchs of the Air, Mr Andy Rhyne Eccentric Knockabout Vocalist, Acrobat & Grotesque, Miss Julia Hanson Burlesque Actress, Mr George Ripon Comedian, Miss Eva Johnson Serio-Ballad Vocalist, Mr Joe Fredricks 'negro' Comedian and Dancer, Mons. Dusoni’s Great and Unequalled Troupe of Trained Performing Dogs...
Dates:
Week commencing 10 November 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892
Item
Reference code: 178R27.4
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. George Power Comedian, Mr Harry Shaw Musical Eccentric Comedian, Miss Marion Lena Characteristic Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Harry Barker Descriptive Vocal Actor, The Watsons Irish Comedy Entertainers, Miss Marie Kean Burlesque Vocalist and Dancer, Mr Robert J, Carroll Comedian, Author and Dancer, Mildred Cohen Vocalist, Norton Prestidgitateur Seeing Is Believing, Carl Howlett’s Royal Improved Marionette Pantomime. Green and red type on off white background. Printed by S Griffith...
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 26 December 1892
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895
Item
Reference code: 178R27.5
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Sergt. Simms’ Columbian Cadets, Twelve Genuine 'Negro' Boys from the Bahama Islands in ‘Le Bivouac’, Miss Nellie Gertine Character Baritone Vocalist, The Durhams Incomparable Dancers, The Minting Troupe in New Pantomimic Absurdity ‘Fun On the, Road’ introducing AH Minting, the World’s Greatest Trick, Cyclist’, Walter Pussord Premier Prestidigitateur, Illusionist and Humorist, Nassau Piccaninnies Moonlight Shadow dance, May Morton Serio-Comedienne and Characteristic Vocalist, Miss...
Dates:
Week commencing Monday 14 January 1895
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, Week commencing 24 March 1890
Item
Reference code: 178R27.6
Scope and Contents
Birkenhead. Thatcher and Leopold American Black and White Face, Comedians, Miss Annie Sharland Serio-Comic and Ballad Vocalist, Mr George Langston Comedian and Dancer, Madame Sanyeah with Her Highly Trained Performing Dogs, and Wonderful Goat assisted by Little Letto, Acrobat, Carl Freeman Conjuror, illusionist, Wonder Worker, Card and Coin Manipulator, Messrs. Geraghty and Gilligan Conversational Comedians, Wal Curtis Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Mr George Ripon. Black and yellow type on...
Dates:
Week commencing 24 March 1890
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 October 1896
Item
Reference code: 178R12.108
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Prof. Duncan’s Marvellous Collie Dogs Exhibition of Animal Training, Mr Wilkie Bard Comedian and Delineator of Coster Songs, Nellie Straton Serio Comic Vocalist, Miss Lily Marney Irish Comedienne, Jesse Burton Baritone Vocalist, Mr Charles Raymond Comedian and One-Legged Dancer, Little Daisy Bard Child Vocalist and Actress, The Wal Pink Comedy Company in 'Leg Bail'. Monday next, The 8 Welshmen, Miss Lizzie Howard. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates:
19 October 1896
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 November 1896
Item
Reference code: 178R12.109
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian, The Vitagraph: Living Pictures! Animated Photographs! To enable the Proprietors (Messrs. Chard and Co.) to give them a complete and perfect Exhibition of the Vitagraph, the same as produced by them in London, the Management have made special arrangements for the introduction of the Electric Light, Sarina The White Demon and Contortionist, Lillian Bishop Male Impersonator and Burlesque Actress, Quinton Gibson Female...
Dates:
9 November 1896
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 May 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.110
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Farrell and Wilmott Irish Comedians, Mr J.P. Dane Comedian and Dancer, Miss Cora Duncan Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Dancer, Ernest Heathcote Eccentric Comedian and Acrobatic Dancer, Little May Beryl Child Contralto and Clever Dancer, Percy Cahill Character and escriptive Vocalist, Polly Plunkett Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Hartley Milburns’s Rosebuds Lady Dancers, Whit Week! Arthur Rigby, May Evans, Nellie Christie, Paul Langtry. Printed by S....
Dates:
31 May 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 June 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.111
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Jenny Valmore Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Little Tim Quaint Comedian, Sisters Wright Characteristic Duettists and Expert Dancers, De Cone The World’s Wizard, Sandy and Carl Knockabout Comedians and Dancers, George Willrod Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Eva Maynard Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Lieut. Walter Cole Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue type.
Dates:
14 June 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 July 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.112
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Leila Roze Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Brandon and Bishop Descriptive Character Duettists, The Sisters Terry Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Jennie Gabrielle Child Pianist and Vocalist, Blindfold Performance, Phil Weston Character Vocalist, Miss Blanche Gerard Versatile and Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer, Morney Cash Character and Eccentric Comedian, Edwin Boyde Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates:
5 July 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 August 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.113
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Will. H. Fox in his Burlesque Entitled 'Paddywhiski!', Flo Varley Burlesque Actress and Comedian, Francis and Melli Continental Musical Eccentrics, Lottie Walton Comedienne, Irving and Rousby’s Electrical Demonstrations!, Ethel Dove Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Kimberley Boys! Eccentric Comedians and Dancers, Geo. Watson Character and Descriptive Vocalist, Edwin Barwick Mimic. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and blue...
Dates:
16 August 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 August 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.114
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fratrelli Riccobono’s Horses, Leonard Barry Comic Singer, Musical Dale Campanologist and Concertina Soloist, Marie Le Blanc Character Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Olympian Quintette in their Plantation sketch 'Good Old Georgia', J.P Adderley Contralto Vocalist, Florrie Wood Serio Comedienne and Burlesque Actress, Cornish, Hardy, Sampson and Bros. Slocum in Glees and Plantation Songs, Mr G.W. Hunter Mark Twain of the Music Halls. Printed by S....
Dates:
30 August 1897
Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1897
Item
Reference code: 178R12.115
Scope and Contents
Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Don Juan Caicedo Colombian Marvel and King of the Wire, George Spry and Florrie Austin Comedy Act, J.W.Hall Yorkshire Comic, Kavados Expert Juggler and Cannon Ball Manipulator, Rosie Coleman Serio Comic Vocalist and Expert Dancer, Sisters Poole Speciality Artistes, Vocalists and Dancers, Flo Melville Serio Comedian and Dancer, Corty Brothers horizontal Bar Performers and Burlesque Wrestlers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and...
Dates:
6 September 1897
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
- Boxing 16
- Business 13
- Circus 12
- Clowning 14
- Comedians 322
- Contortionists 5
- Dance 245
- Dwarfs (Persons) 5
- Equestrians 1
- Fakirs 1
- Family 1
- Female impersonators 8
- Fire eating 2
- Freak shows 1
- Gymnasts 13
- Jugglers 36
- Magic 35
- Male impersonators 18
- Menageries 1
- Mimes 1
- Minstrel shows 10
- Motion pictures 185
- Music 1
- Music-halls 347
- Musical performances 114
- Musicians 68
- Optical illusions 1
- Pantomime 42
- Performers 351
- Pierrot 2
- Puppets 7
- Shooting 4
- Showman 1
- Showwoman 1
- Sideshows 4
- Singing 272
- Skating 7
- South African War, 1899-1902 9
- Strong men 5
- Stunt performers 1
- Tableaux vivants 3
- Thin people 3
- Travel 1
- Ventriloquists 20
- War 35
- Wild west 2
- World War, 1914-1918 22
- World War, 1939-1945 1
- Wrestling 8
- Zoos 1 + ∧ less
∨ more