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, 21 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.252
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilbert Payne and Company In Farcical Comedy, 'Bingle’s Bungle', Jack Thompson and Annie Walker Vocalists Assisted by Cecila, Johnson, Violinist, The Martini’s Piano Cabaret Scena introducing the Latest, American Society Dances, Manuel Vega Comedy Act, Cassie Walmer Eccentric Contralto and Dancer, Katie Butler Character Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Finlay Dunn Joke at the Pian’, Julot and Partner French...
Dates: 21 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.253
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams, 'The Seven Ages of Man', From Baby to Old Man 102, Those Two Nondescripts and a Piano, George de Alma Banjo Boy, Freda Lawrence and Billie Bowie Comedy Entertainers, Sophie Forrest Comedienne, James Barry Dancing Marvel, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Artemas Comedy Illusionist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 28 October 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.254
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Horace Hunter and Lily Hammersley and West End Company in 'The Years Between', Haley’s Juveniles Vocal Scena, Lydia and Francis Parisian, Artistic and Acrobatic Dances, Tom Costello Comedian, Lucy Brennan Comedienne, Thelma Hamilton Soprano Vocalist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Frank Whitman Dance Mad Fiddler. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 December 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.255
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. 2 Rascals, Chas O’Donnell and Eddie Fields, Madge Velma and her Ruffles Lady Vocalists, Frank Keith Light Star Comedian, Francis and Alfred Juggler and Assistant, Stephanie Anderson Dancing and Instrumental Quick Change Act, Nona Dixie Comedy, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ronez, the Broken Cellist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 December 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 January 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.256
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Nixon Grey Comedian Penrose and Whitlock, Harold Moss, Norfolk Gipsy Violinist and Isabel Maachah Musical and Dancing Fantasy, Olga Sydney Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Lue Joyce Perfect Lady, The Mellow Dee’s high Class Repertoire, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, St. Juste and Higgins. Blue and red type.

Dates: 12 January 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.257
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gilday and Fox Hebrew Comedians, Jock McKay Scots Comedian, Rosie Lloyd Comedienne, De Busse Piano Accordianist, Nelson and Nelson Comedy Acrobats, The Carylls and Chorister, Thelma Hamilton Yorkshire Soprano, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Nelson Jackson Humorist. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 February 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.258
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Mayne, the Simple One, Norman Field and His Harp assisted by Md’lle Ninalta, Premier Danseuse, The Four K-Foleys in Novel Vocal Comedy Scena, George Bolton Entertainer with His Voices and Piano, Two Nondescripts and a Piano, May Kinahan Juvenile Entertainer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Miss Merles’ Cockatoos. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 February 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 February 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.259
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Peter Pariss Character Comedy, Foster Kershaw Entertainer Without a Piano, Terry Twins Duplicate Comedians, Renee Novelty Instrumentalist, Emerson and Gilbert, Dago and his Black friend, Diana Dane Comedienne, Howard and Wyndham up-To-Date Songs and Novel Dances, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , May Erne and Erne Chester Songs and Laughs. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 February 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.260
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wilson Hallett Impersonator, Billy Poluski and Joe Mott Comedians, Frank H. Fox Character Comedian, Wyn and Ivy In Comedy Vocal Scena 'Cinders', The Musical Burglars Presenting 'A Raid on a Musical Academy', Patti Loftus Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope In a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures , Officer Vokes Presents America’s Wonderful Canine, Don. Blue and red type.

Dates: 1 March 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 March 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.261
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. G.H. Elliott, The Original Chocolate Coloured Coon, Geaiks and Geaiks Eccentrics etc., Emilie Hayes Vocalist, Manuel and Francois Acrobatic Eccentricities, Auber Musical Monarch, Cliff Barrett, the Great Dame Study Assisted by Netta Clark in 'Auntie’s Visit', Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Frank Varney and Sou Brette Mirth Manipulators. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 March 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 April 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.262
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wal Langtry Comedian, Dollie and Billie Comedy Character Studies, E.J. Moore American Comedy Conjuror, Frances Kinders Dainty Vocalist and Dancer, Ivor Vinter England’s Smallest comedian, Jack and Lily Butt High Class Comedy Act, Nellie Wigley, Prince Charming, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Muriel George and Ernest Butcher Old Folk Songs and Comedy Duets. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 April 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 May 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.263
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Variety’s Greatest Song, Joe Mangin and Syd Kerbel Jolly Songs, Arthur Ferris Character Comedian, Zelinda Davies Singer, Tom Payne Musician Athlete, Junes(Ida and Grace) Mexican Speciality Dances, Massona Juggling Humorist, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, De Wynne Brothers Classical Athletic Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 3 May 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 May 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.264
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hilda Glyder Songs, Bert La Mont and His Cowboy Minstrels Mirth and Melody, Bert Terrell Dutch Comedian, Harry Ford Comedian, Sie Tahar Troupe Algerian Pastimes, Peggy Rose and Budd Comedy Duo, James Hunter Society Entertainer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Jessie Broughton and Dennis Creedon Musical Entertainment. Blue and red type.

Dates: 17 May 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 June 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.265
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn, Jack Thomas Comedian, The Incomparable Damsell and Boy Juggling Equilibrist, We Three, Susie Belmore, Vera Vere, Dorothy Belmore, Ben Warris Comedian, Ernest St. George Vocal Enigma, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Zetta Mor Character Vocalist and Male Impersonator. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 June 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 July 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.266
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike S. Whallen Prince of Extempore, Alan Martin and Tony Castle Vocals and Piano, Fred Brezin Mystical Anglo-French Humorist Entertainer, Evelyn May Violinist, Maude and Syd McLloyd Original Songs and Novelty Dances, Lola Patey Songs and Stories, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, La Toy Brothers The Inebriate and Bachelor. Blue and red type.

Dates: 5 July 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 July 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.267
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Fred Lake and Tom Barrasford Vivacious Vocalism, Miles-Stavordale Quintette Songs, J.H. Scotland Comedy Dialect etc, Tom Gott Comedian, The Ziras, Madam Godwin in Musical Act, 'Granny’s Birthday', The Owyns in Harmony, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Murphy and Mack presents 'The Major’s Reflection'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 July 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 July 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.268
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Green and his Company of American Players Act, Claude Gardner Comedian, Connie Browning Comedienne and Dancer, Ivy Barnes Songs and Dances, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 July 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 August 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.269
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Margaret Cooper Piano, May Sherrard Comedienne, Frank Powell Burlesque Patter Comedian, McGregot and Hood Comedians and Dancers, George D’Albert Comedian, Nord and Dane Acrobatic Act, Mdle. Zampa Gymnast, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Oliver and Mack In Comedy Skit, 'Hanging a Gate'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 August 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 August 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.270
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Two Bobs Songs and Character Studies, Sisters Reeve Duettists, Melvin and Mayo Comedians and Dancers, Lauri Howard Comedian, Lily Currie Chorus Vocalist, O’Wray and O’Dare Burlesque Comedians, Frank Keith Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Four Cronies Present 'A Night With Rabbie Burns'. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 August 1920

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 6 September 1920

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.271
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Robert Reilly Musical Tableaux, The Real McKays Scotch Comedy, Jim Nolan Comedian, Veronica Trio Operatic Selections and Ballads, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Sanni In Comedy Speciality, 'Tit-Bits', Frances Kinders Dainty Vocalist and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope in a Series of Novel and Interesting Pictures, Ben Osborne and Nellie Perryer Comedy Sketches. Blue and red type.

Dates: 6 September 1920

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