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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, 10 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.30
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Sam Torr London Comic Vocalist, Miss Marie D’Semincourt Soprano Vocalist, Mr Frank Belmont Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Miss Minnie Ghent Speciality Song and Dance Artiste, Mr J.H. Kavanagh Comedian and Mimic, The Sisters Leslie Vocalists and Dancers, Temples Musical Entertainment, Mr Johnny Muldoon Irish Entertainer, Tom Berrick Amusing Ethiopian Delineator. Red and green type.

Dates: 10 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.31
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harlow Brothers See “The Three-Headed Man!” and their wonderful performing donkey, Sisters Reefern Duettists and Dancers, Mr Frank Coyle Comedian, Lizzie Ramsden Transformation Dancer, Ned Nevo Female Impersonator, Signor Borelli in his Unique Entertainment, Cassidy and Farrell Irish Comedians and Dancers, Mr Dave Cotterell descriptive and Light Comedy Vocalist, Mr Edward Fielding and Miss Fanny Johnson 'In a Witty and Humorous Entertainment, The...
Dates: 17 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 October 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.32
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Ritters (Victor and Emanuel) Refined Grotesque Instrumentalists, Miss Rosie Kendall The Miniature Marie Loftus, Mr Harry Slade, Miss Polly Redfern Vocalist, The Electricone Introduced by Professor Duemain, Miss Marie Violetta Characteristic Serio Comic and Ballad Vocalist, Messrs. Ashley and Beach the Acme of Ethiopian Eccentricity, Miss Maud Della Burlesque Actress and Dancer, Burgess’ Combination in 'Easy Difficulties', Miss Lottie Adams Male...
Dates: 31 October 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 November 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.33
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Herr Grais Eccentric Chef, Miss Jenny Martini Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Regan and Ryan Knockabout Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Sisters De Grey Character Duettists and Dancers, Johnny Renson and Rose Waite 'The Incomparable Two', Mr James Bowman Hibernian Comedian and Dancer, Messrs. Dudley and Dawson English Character Comedians and Extempore Dancers, Mr Will Franks Comic and Descriptive vocalist, Mr F.W. Wilkinson Irish Comedian. Printed...
Dates: 14 November 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 November 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.34
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sherman and Morisey American Comedians, Sisters Schofield Refined Character Duettists and American, Song and Dance Artistes, Mr Leodale Character Actor, Author, Vocalist and Reciter, Messrs Cranston and Curtis Irish Delineators, Mr Alf Bilford Eccentric Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Frank Vincent and Johnny Hart Black Faced Performers and Classical Exponents of Minstrelsy, Sisters Craven Burlesque artistes, Vocalists and Dancers, Mr Arthur West Extempore...
Dates: 21 November 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 December 1892

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.35
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Tom Bassett Impersonator, Miss Ruth Grovesnor Serio-Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Messrs. Ashford and Guinard Character Dilineators, Miss Nellie Oldene Serio-Comic Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Miss J. Matthews Lady Acrobatic and Talking Clown, Mr Austin Lenton Vocal Comedian and Burlesque Actor, Sisters Albert (Rose and Blanche) Duettists and Song and Dance, Artistes, Mr Frank Hayward Comic Vocalist and Descriptive Actor, Little Tony Midget...
Dates: 12 December 1892

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 January 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.36
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Farrell and Wilmot Irish Comedians, Miss Bessie St. John Burlesque, Descriptive, Serio-comic and Dancer, Mr Bob Gardner Double Voiced Vocalist and Tyrolean Harmonist, Sisters Conlan Duettists and Dancers, Major Devono Illusionist, Sisters Vose Duettists, Vocalists and Wonderful Dancers, Frank Travis Vocal Comedian, Madeline Rosa Lady Ventriloquist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 16 January 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 March 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.37
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Brothers Harrisson Hibernian Comedy, Miss Archie Richards Serio-Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Walter Emsley American Comedian and Musical Expert, Miss Nelly Mac Descriptive Vocalist and Empress of Low Comedy, Mr Dave Cotterill Comic Vocalist and Dramatic Reciter, The Combineation in Absurdity, 'A Great Mistake', Miss Ada Whitton Male Impersonator, Mr Ted Hensey Dancer, Miss Lily Barrington Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Skirt Dancer, Miss Myra...
Dates: 20 March 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.38
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Arthur Lloyd Vocal Comedian, Professor Alf. Holmes and Miss Marion Lena in Their Bewildering Performance Both Novel and Amusing, Mr George Prince Character Comic Vocalist, Messrs. Sawyer and Ellis Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Mons. De Cone Grandest Wizard Show on Earth, Sisters Leslie Duettists and Dancers, Mr Harry King-Lloyd and Miss Annie King-Lloyd will Appear in a Selection From Their Numerous Sketches Nightly, Miss Violet...
Dates: 3 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.39
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. E.C. Dunbar Vocal Actor, Miss Cissie Trent Quick Change Artiste, Mr J.L. Chippendale Hibernian Vocalist, comedian and dancer, Miss Retta Richter Serio Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Mr Harry Foster in 'Mirthful Moments' Vocal Phenomenon, Louisiana Minstrels Comedy Team, Miss Polly Redfern Vocalist, Mr George Regent Comic Extempore and Topical Vocalist, Frank O’Mara Vocalist and Dancer, The Gatwards (Hal and Winnie) Speciality Performers. Printed by...
Dates: 10 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 April 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.40
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Hugh Dempsey Irish Comedy, Merrie Jennie Leslie Vocalist and Dancer, Mr. J.W. Nixon Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Madame Pollinta’s Wonderful Manikins!, Sisters Hill Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Finlay and Rankin, the Clipper Boys Black Original Yankee Specialities, Miss Flo Varley Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Professor Woodhead Musical Marvel. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red and green type.

Dates: 24 April 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 May 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.41
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Daltry, Higgins and Miss Selina Seaforth in ‘Jack’s Return!, Miss Carrie Anderson Burlesque Actress, Vocalist and Dancer, The St. Johns (Gale and Edith) Vocalists, Instrumentalists and Expert Dancers, Miss Lena Dorrett Burlesque Actress, Mr Jake Graham Facial and Burlesque Comedian, Miss Nellis Lovell Male Impersonator, Fred Gould Vocalist, The 5 Arlottes, 'The Merry Menials'. Special Notice! Grand Complimentary Benefit to Hal Aubrey (Manager)...
Dates: 1 May 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 May 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.42
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Classical Duettists and Dancers, Miss Leah Adell Soprano, Operatic Vocalist, The Durhams (Fred and Minnie) Variety Entertainers and Incomparable Dancers, Fothergill Combination in Their New Drawing Room Entertainment, 'Diamonds!', Miss Lizzie Ramsden Transformation Dancer, Mr Harry Christy Comedian and Vocalist, Miss Emilie Pearce the Southern Star, Messrs. Rhodes and O’Rourke Trans-Atlantic Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by...
Dates: 15 May 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 June 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.43
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Charles Bignell, ‘The Dodger Up-to-Date Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 12 June 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.44
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Arthur Sullivan and Ethel Silvena in 'A Dutchman’s Courtship', Great American Speciality Stars Includes Songs, Dances and Quick Changes, Miss Vesta Sunshine Little Actress, Mr. F.A. Burnand Vocal Character Comedian, Sandy and Carl The Two Dromios, Miss Lizzie Payne Burlesque Actress and Dancer, Miss Alice Townsend Soprano and Burlesque Actress, The Three Volbecques Acrobatic Sketch Artistes, Miss Daisy Gertrude Serio Comic and Top-Boot Dancer, Bob...
Dates: 14 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.45
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Mannons in their Pantomimic Absurdity 'Uncle Yank', Sisters Spightley Duettists, Vocalists and Speciality Dancers, Mr. E. W. Selman Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Miss Mabel Comley the Sultan of Serios, Professor Howard American Illusionist and Thought Reader, Miss Nellie Oldene New York Star, Harry Stanley the Miniature Charles Godfrey, Mr Harry Dashwood Character Vocal Comedian, Miss Rosie Elliott Burlesque Actress and Dancer. Printed by S....
Dates: 21 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.46
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Sisters Philips and Brothers Lorenzi 'The Four Comical Cards!', Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 28 August 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 13 November 1893

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.47
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mar Charles Bignell 'The Dodger Up-to-Date', Popular comedian and character singer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 13 November 1893

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 February 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.48
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alice Leamar Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Salmon Trick and Musical Bicycle Riders, Mr Dick Dunn Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Helen Vaneycken Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist and Dancer, Renson and Waite Variety Artistes and Dancers, Miss Leza Leoni Serio Comedienne and Dancer, Mr Jos. Dixon Character Comedian and Dancer, Wal Pink Comedy Troupe in 'The Parrot'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red, blue and yellow type.

Dates: 12 February 1894

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 April 1894

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.49
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Walter Bellonini New Novel and Wonderful Entertainment Sensation of the Season, Miss Louise Ford Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Mt James Carson American Comedian and Soft Shoe Dancer, The Schallers (Arthur and Pam) Humorous Act, Singing, Dancing and Gymnastics, Rose Durran Serio Comic Vocalist and Champion Lady Dancer, Mr Frank Pirrung Foot Equilibrist, Mr John Ovenden Comic and Descriptive Vocalist, The Korries in Their Extremely Funny, Refined and...
Dates: 2 April 1894

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