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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, 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 of Varieties Poster, 11 April 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.285
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Weldon Burlesque Character Comedian, Phil and Phlora Acrobatic and Dancing Humoresque, Bert Terrell Dutch Comedian, Eileen Audrey Comedienne, Warnock-Wick Trio Irish Comedy Sketch, George Murphy Fun in a Billiard Room, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ackroyd Flautist and Rose Hardy Harpiste. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 April 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 May 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.286
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Sutcliffe Family Scottish Acrobatic Vaudeville, Elizabeth Hyde Soprano Vocalist, Geaiks and Geaiks Eccentrics, Imitateurs, Siffleurs, Foden Williams Vocal Entertainer, Eddie Morrell, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, George Turner Left-Handed Cartoonist, Lois Parker and Percy Tarling Humour and Music. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 May 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 June 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.287
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Tom Clare Piano, May Henderson Dusky Comedy Queen, Dick Tubb Comedian, Ray and Kelly Songs and Dances, Sam Hilton Comedian and Acrobatic Dancer, Dorothy and Rayloo Speciality Duo, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Shogun and Ryder Shooting Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 27 June 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.288
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Lake and Tom Barrasford in Vivacious Vocalism, Archie Hill Tenor, Miss Ellis Drake and Company Scotch Comedy Playlet, 'Oh Mother', Sisco Musical Speciality, Little Vera Kitchen Juvenile Artiste, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joyce Lyn Vocal Comedienne, Franklyn Brothers Amazing Athletes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 4 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.289
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ike and Will Scott Comedians, Dave Loch and Carrie Lomond Characteristic Scottish and Irish Scenas, Claude Gardner Comedian, Chicago Three Comedians and Dancers, Emmelyn Walter Song and Story, Arthur Pond Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Brooklyn Comedy Four Singers. Blue and red type.

Dates: 11 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 July 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.290
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rolf Slater Comedian, Hobart and Hobbs Comedy, Lune and Shaw Character Comedy Act, Charles and Irene Vestry Athlete and the Dancer, Dennis O’Neill and Irene Sinclair in 'Notes and Nonsense', Lily Denville Dancing Act, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Tom E. Finglass Artistic Coon Delineator. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 July 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.291
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Clark and Hamilton in Three Big Scenas, May Sherrard Comedienne, George D’Albert Comedian, Tina Paynola Mimic, Gemmell Bros. Scientific Dancers, Ena and Eva song, Dance and Melody, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Dippy Diers Clowning Absurdities. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.292
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Gresham Singers, Brandon and Smith The Chocolate Drop and the Ink Spot, Elsie Southgate Assisted by Victor Gould Violinist, Frank Street Comedian, Connie Browning Revue Artiste and Some Songs, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Nora Dale Comedienne and Dancer, The Flemings Presenting Artistic Creations in Alabaster. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 September 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.293
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Rungamah Somnambulastic Visions, Alfredo Vagabond Violinist, J.H. Scotland Opera Voice, Gerbola Trio Italian Comedy Acrobatic and Tumbling Act, Wilf Burnand Character Comedian, Sisters Martin Harmony Duo, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Fred Kitchen Presents the Beswick Twins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 September 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 October 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.294
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Peter Pariss Plaintive Comedy, Vanny Chard Welsh Songstress, The Three Walkers Musical Equilibrists, Louis J. Seymour Comedy Artiste, Diana Dain, Tom and Nell Knockabout Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Gladys Wright and John Hartley in 'Songs Sung Differently'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 24 October 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.295
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell the Irish Entertainer, Gaston Palmer Juggling Comedian, Harry Ford Comedian, The Martinis Ballroom Dancers, Will Gardiner Comedian, Sisters Gannon Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Joseph P. Nolan presents Billy Morris Boxing Display. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 November 1921

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