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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 June 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.316
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Jenny Valmore serio comic vocalist, Mr J.H. Nation The laughing Comic, Sisters Olive duettists and dancers, Messrs Drew and Alders eccentric comedians, vocalists and Acrobatic experts, Little Luna gymnast, Bale troupe in their sensational Japanese entertainment, Mr J. Chippendale Irish character comedian and dancer, Allan and Hart American Speciality Artistes, Duettists and Quick Change Artistes. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 18 June 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1901

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.317
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Kokin the Beau Brummel of juggling from the Flowery Kingdom, Rumbo Austin and his comic Nippers, Mays and Hunter the premier American Banjo Experts, Tom Stuart mimic, Mignonette character chanteuse and Danseuse Eccentrique, Cyrus Dare society humourist and Imitator of Funny Children, Lida Dunlo Serio comic vocalist and dancer, T.C. Callaghan Character comedian, Florrie St. Clair Serio and descriptive Vocalist, Haig and Haig knockabout comedy, The...
Dates: 7 January 1901

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 February 1924

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.318
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Barnes Light comedy star, Eric Godley and Leslie Elliott Baritone and piano, The Pall-Malls Artistic Comedy Absurdities, Jack Edwin comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, The Famous Four Christies acrobatic dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 18 February 1924

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.319
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike Whallen The Comet with Many Tales, Tom Costello Poor Old Clown, Neil Kenyon The Scotsman and His Pack, The Two Graces Duettists and Dancers, Walker and Lake New Comedians and Popular Patter Purveyers, Geo. Antill Evening Shadow Comedian, Mdlle. Du Roche Operatic Soprano Vocalist, Norman Leonard Trio Musical Sketch Players. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 14 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.320
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Merson Comedian, Sammy Shields Scottish Comedian, Boy Ronald Juggler, Cissie Lupino In Songs and Dance, Pam and Girls Acrobatic dancing Novelty, Delaney and Lee Duettists, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Empire Operatic Quartette in gems from popular operas. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 22 March 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.321
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Karno’s Comedians in Mumming Birds, Little Dorretta Dainty Dutch Comedian and Acrobatic Sabot dancer, Walker and Lake popular Patter Purveyers, The Grosvenors Singers of popular Melodies, Maston Mimic, Billy Richardson Black Orator, The Royal Bioscope, Ernest Montefiore and Co. In Dramatic Sketch. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 15 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.322
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Stockwell comedian, The Mays Duettists, Pantomimists and Speciality Dancers, The Jackson Family! musicians, Ferris and Farnley comedians, vocalists and dancers, Baby Loftus child actress and vocalist, Gus Hindell character comedian and mimic, Lindon and Russell the comedy girls, Tom Lloyd quaint eccentric comedy. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 21 August 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.323
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Joe Elvin comedian, Yaggs and Mary Trick Cyclists, Professor Vox ventriloquist, Tiny Arnold clever juvenile exponent of song and dance, Annie Wright Serio comedienne and burlesque Actress, Marcus Boyle character comedians and Vocalist, Lily Jackson Male and Character Impersonator, Mable Thorne Anglo-American Soubrette and Dancer, Les Voces vocalists. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 13 November 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 November 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.324
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Moras in their novel and Laughable, Pantomimic Three bar Sketch, Lilia Roze Burlesque Actress, Austin Rudd Character Comedian, Marie Kendall Comedienne, Cyrus Dare Clever Society Entertainer, Ryder Slone Character Comedian, Eva Euston Serio comic vocalist and Dancer, Steve M’Carthy Character Comedian, Animated Photos. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue, yellow and green type.

Dates: 27 November 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 October 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.325
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Harvey Boys comic and scientific boxing, Singing and Dancing, Minnie Cunningham Serio comedienne and Dancer, Walter King comedian and Dancer, Edison Vitascope, The Channings Operatic vocalists, Lily Ford Premiere Danseuse and Vocalist, Harry Bedford Comedian, Bransby Williams Character sketches from Charles Dickens, The Great Selbini troupe Acrobats, Cyclists, Musicians and Jugglers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue...
Dates: 2 October 1899

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 August 1921

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.326
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. St. Juste and Higgins the King’s Jesters, Jocular Jock McKay humourist, Elida Morris in Song Stories, Kit O’More Comedy, Val Vett Ragtime, Rag Picking, Rag Painter, Arthur Lewis, Dancing Entertainer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Corn and Neil Comedy Acrobats. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, and blue type.

Dates: 8 August 1921

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 September 1931

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.327
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edwin Styles comedian, Eric Randolph actor vocalist, Sandrisi Copelli acrobatic character and eccentric dancers, The Musical Sylvesters, The Tudors Juggling, Balancing, Trick Jumping and Tumbling act, Verme and Anna Piano Accordionists, Pathe’s News, Sydney Fuller and best Friend in comedy 'A La Mode'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red and black type.

Dates: 7 September 1931

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 September 1930

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.328
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Benedetti Bros. comedians and Violinists, Bob and Alf Pearson harmony act, The Four Sisters Lund acrobatic and whirlwind Dancing Speciality, Du Marte and Denzer Twins in Action, Harry Coady Comedy, Music, Song and Dance, Eddie Lerone and Bessie Bendon Comedy Act, Teresa Russell Singer, Pathe’s Super News Gazette, Norman Carroll comedian and Monologuist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Red, blue, and yellow print.

Dates: 22 September 1930

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 March 1936

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.329
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Afrique Impersonator of famous celebrities, Jeanette Adie The Ideal Male, Four Roadsters introducing Britain’s Greatest Street Singer, Adrienne and Austin Dancing, Gallagher and Spree American Comedy Duo, Frank Groves, The Argyle Orchestra, Ed. and Jess Cotrillo Jugglers, The Four Wonder Wheelers Laughs and Sensations. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 9 March 1936

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 January 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.600
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Vonare Lady contortionist, Violet Reefern Serio and descriptive dancer, The Two Howes comedians and dancers, Harry Stennet transatlantic performer, Fred Harrington Anglo-Dutch Milanese piper and ballad vocalist, May Oliver Anglo-American soubrette, Olvene and Nestal trapeze artists, Master Charl prince of the silver wire, Nellie Gertie, The Minims grand instrumental Speciality. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Green and red type.

Dates: 25 January 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 November 1889

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.5
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Richard Geldard character comedian, Miss Florence Eugene, Messrs. Milton and Norris Pantomimists, musicians and acrobatic dancers, J.B. Sinclair English, Irish and Scotch descriptive and motto vocalist, The Clayton twins English, American and Dutch Character impersonators, The Comical Puzzle or, which is which of the two? Assisted by sisters Wood and Willis, Will Hoare novelty dancer, Mr Harry Carsdale mimic. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 18 November 1889

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, c1880 - 1899

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.6
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Closure for redecoration. ‘Grand re-opening Bank holiday, 6th August with a Powerful Company Of Stars, New Scenery etc, etc. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: c1880 - 1899

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

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Type
Archival Object 353
Collection 2
Digital Record 3
 
Subject
Acrobats 63
Aerialists 4
Animal trainers 7
Animals 41
Boxer Rebellion (1900-1901) 3