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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, 31 August 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.70
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in 'Scenes at the Zoo!', Mr J.W. Hall Yorkshire Comic, Amy Lawrence Soubrette and Speciality Danseuse, Jas. Brady Vocal Joker, Mr Joe Cheevers Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer Rose Sylvester Vocalist and Dancer, R.W. Bentley Dutch and Character Comedian and Soft-shoe Dancer, Palles and Cussick Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Burlesque, Boxers and Wrestlers. Monday next, Herbert Campbell. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 August 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 September 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.71
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Ripon Eccentric Character Comedian, Tom and Lillie English Whistlers and Vocalists, The Leslie Trio Comedy and Burlesque Artistes and Vocalists, Mr Arthur Forrest Comedian, Burlesque Artist and Dancer, Marie Olive Soprano and Descriptive Vocalist, Sisters Guest Characteristic Duettists, Vocalists and Dancers, Lillie Downing Serio Comic, Vocalist and Dancer, Oakland and Thompson American Operatic Duettists. Monday Next, Millie Hylton. Printed by...
Dates: 14 September 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 September 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.72
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Mille Hylton Comedienne and burlesque actress, Engist and Orsa Mirth and Music, Daisy De Roy Burlesque Actress and Tyrolean Actress, J.P. Curlett Irish Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Ethel Lindon Serio Comic Vocalist and Dancer, Dodd and Dudd Sketch Shows, Carl Ostend Female Impersonator, Katie Eplett Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, P. O’Brien Irish Comedian, Drew and Alders Singing, Tumbling and Dancing. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers,...
Dates: 21 September 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 October 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.73
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Professor Duncan’s Marvellous Collie Dogs Exhibition on Animal Training, Mr Wilkie Bard Comedian and delineator of Coster Songs, Nellie Stratton Serio Comic Vocalist, Miss Lily Marney Irish Comedienne, Jesse Burton Baritone Vocalist, Chas. Raymond Comedian and One-Legged Dancer, Little Daisy Bard Child Vocalist and Actress, The Wal Pink Comedy Troupe. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type

Dates: 19 October 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 October 1896

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.74
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Eight Welshmen Vocalists, Mr Harry Ford Comedian, Vocalist and Dancer, Prof. Dainez’s Miniature Circus, Mr Bob Vokes Character Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, Pat Carey Irish Comedian and Dancer, The Bros. McGrath Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers, Millie Vokes Ballad and Descriptive Vocalist, Miss Lizzie Howard Descriptive Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 26 October 1896

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 January 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.75
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Daisy Mayer American Comedian, Coon Impersonator and Sand Dancer, Mr T. B. Fayme Eccentric Character Comedian, Miss Ella Stuart in Her Magnificent act Gymnastique de Salon, Escamo Slight of Hand Performer and Humorist, The Three Sisters Maynard Singers and Dancers, Messrs Howard and Paul Musical entertainers and Eccentric Comedians, Mr Arthur Ismay Comedian, Vocalist and Mimic, Mr Frank Adams Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, The Brothers Dare...
Dates: 11 January 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 1 February 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.76
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Marvellous Rixfords Musical Equilibrists, Mr Edward Ind Vocal Comedian, The Welsh Glee Quartette, Mr Sam Jesson Eccentric Comedian, Miss Agnes Hazel Serio Comedienne, Harry Calpin Character Comedian, Miss Rosie Coleman Serio Comic Vocalist and Expert Dancer, Fred Spencer Eccentric Comedian and Dancer, Ina Corrella Serio and Descriptive Vocalist, Jean Seul the Indian Mystery. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 1 February 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 March 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.77
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bella and Bijou Vocalists, Austin Rudd Vocalist, Will Mitcham Vocalist and Instrumentalist, Miss Ada Alexandra 'The Dutch Girl' and Her Company of Comedians in 'The Mason'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 15 March 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 March 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.78
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Newskey’s Russian Troupe National Songs and Dancers, Mr Frank Lynne Comedian, The Musical Palmers in their Military Interlude 'Lively after Parade', Miss Daisy De Roy Serio Comedienne, Tyrolean Vocalist and Burlesque actress, Bennett and Martell Knockabout Comedians, Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 29 March 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 April 1897

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.79
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Alexander Dagmar Vocalist and Burlesque Actress, Mr E. De Celle Tyrolean and Yodel Duets, Mr Pat Rafferty Irish Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type.

Dates: 26 April 1897

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 October 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.80
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana Comedienne, Mike S. Whallen Comedian and Raconteur, The 4 Vagabonds English Comedy Quartette, Milner and Storey Comedians, Frances McNulty in Her Latest American Success, Bros. Ashley Comedy Boxing Sketch, Dick Geldard Light Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, H.O. Wills Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Blue type on light green paper.

Dates: 3 October 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 July 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.81
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gipsy Nina Singing Accordeoniste, Paul and Earl Rollo with Carole Skaters, Freddie Bamberger Jester Piano Player, Rex Ramer Impressionist, The Embert Sister Scottish Comediennes, Earl and Babette Dancers, Tex Shamva and Co. In Thrilling Mexican Speciality, Three Loose Screws Crazy-but Harmless!. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 17 July 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 28 August 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.82
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. West End Variety by Arrangement with Will Collins and Lew, Grade Ltd Presents Something Special in Laughter Shows 'Runnin’ Wild', The Three Jokers 20th Century Jesters, Archie Glen 'Blotto', Nita and Jacques International Dancers, Mabs Newman’s Six Diamonettes, Martyn and Maye Jugglers, Bobbie Raye Singer, Bettina Richman Dancer, Four Playboys in 'Hurricane of Rhythm'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 28 August 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 4 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.83
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Six Harmonists Featuring Gladys Hay (Daughter of Will Hay), BBC Sound Impressionists, Navarre international Prince of Mimics, Holt and Maurice 'Good Company', 3 Aberdonians, Len Rostock, Edna Devonshire, Lorraine singing Cartoonist, Harold Walden Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 4 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 11 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.84
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Carroll Levis Presents His Latest BBC Discoveries, Fourteen Big Acts Plus Variety Show. Red type.

Dates: 11 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.85
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red on yellow.

Dates: 18 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 December 1939

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.86
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mr Joe Young the Celebrated Theatre Proprietor, Brodie and Steel Vocalists, Harrison Viney Accordeonist, Lotto and Constance, Stanley King and his Uke, Ann Seymour in 'Voices of the Stars', Flack and Lucas 'Flying Feet', Jack Mayer with Alan Kitson Melodies of the Moment. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool. Red type on beige.

Dates: 18 December 1939

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.87
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack 'rumps'Doyle and his Aces of Rhythm with Joe Ferrie and Nino Monti in Hot Music, Hatton and Manners Comedians, Two Rascals Entertainers and a Piano, Jack Henry Whistling Comedian, Michael Moore Impressionist, Marie and Jose Anderson Dancers, Buddy Clarke with Mum and Dad Novelty, Fred Culpitt Conjuror, Gulliver and his 7 dwarfs Burlesque Comedians. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type

Dates: 15 January 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 January 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.88
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Four Aces BBC and Recording Stars, Dominic Roche and Company in 'Home and Duty', Larry Kemble A Darned Nuisance, Wally Wood Comedian, Les Parisanas Musical Moments, Cawalini’s Dogs, The Young China Troupe Contortions and Acrobatics. Printed by A. Sam Griffith Poster, Printed McC. H. Ltd., Liverpool. Red type.

Dates: 29 January 1940

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1940

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.89
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Judy Shirley The Star of 'Monday Night at Seven', Baker Dove and Allen International Club Men, The Reid Twins, The Valmar Trio from the Tower Circus, Blackpool, The McDonald and Maurice Twins, George Boyd Comedian, Don Carlos BBC Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, typeers, Liverpool.

Dates: 9 September 1940

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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