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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 October 1904

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.156
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Leonard Barry and Company in 'The Moucher’s Walk', George D’Albert Versatile Comedian and Descriptive Vocalist, Grell and Grey in 'Bertie’s First Lesson In Tennis', W.J. Churchill 'Uncle Willie' Eccentric Comedian, Tray and Rich Black and White Faced Comedy Team, Nora Emerald Soubrette and Dancer, Edie Gray and White Coons Harmonious Vocalists, Flo Challis Contralto Vocalist, Donaldson Brothers and Ardel in Pantomimical absurdity, 'A Zoological...
Dates: 31 October 1904

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 27 March 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.157
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Sweet Famous American Musical Burglar, W.J. Churchill 'Uncle Willie' Eccentric Comedian, Fred Poplar Comedian, The New Macs Knockabout Comedians, Jock Whitford Scottish Comedian, May Queen Milburn Comedienne and Dancer, The Dorrells Duettists and Dancer, Kitty Wager Burlesque Actress, The Bioscope, The 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type. .

Dates: 27 March 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 3 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.158
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mark Sheridan Comedian, Marguerite Broadfoot Comedienne and Vocalist, Malcolm Scott Comic Philosophy, Albert Le Fre Comedian, Pantomimist and Dancer, Frazer and Mac in Rich Rare and Racy Gems of Thought, Victor Travers Burlesque Coon Comedian, Sisters Warner Acrobatic Dancers, Mack Olive The Clever Siffleur, Cissy Curlette Comedienne and Mimic, Bob Hutt Comedian, The Bioscope, The Mozondos Eccentric Acrobatics and Barrel Jumpers. Printed by S....
Dates: 3 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 10 April 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.159
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Lil Hawthorne American Comedienne, Happy Fanny Fields American Dutch Girl, Brown and Robinson, The Bohemians Musical and Comedy Speciality Team, Gertie Gitana in Her Original Scena 'A School Girl’s Holiday', Connor and Brady Inventors of Burlesque Absurdities, Ben Albert Comedian, Edie Madison Comedienne and Dancer, The Three Missouris, Captain Kettle and His Mates, Including Champion Wrestlers Vaseline and Madratski. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 10 April 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 8 May 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.160
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Harry Ford Comedian, Dan Crawley Comedian and Dancer, Morton Comedy Trio, The Geoffreys in Comedy Sketch 'Spoofed', Beattie Foster Serio and Descriptive Vocalist, Marie Reeve Comedian and Dancer, Wallace Whitney Character Comedian, Lilian Bishop Comedian and Dancer, The Bioscope, The Two Anartos Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 8 May 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 17 July 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.161
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Haytors (Edie Arthur and Frank) In Comedy Oddity, 'Here She Goes, There She Goes', Morny Cash Comedian, Rose Tilley Artiste and Dancer, Addie Dorina in 'How it Was done', Renson and Waite Duettists and Dancers, Frank Whiteley Comedian, Patterer and Dancer, The Bioscope, The Two Cavaliers-Song and Jest. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 17 July 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 July 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.162
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Osborn and Brookes in 'Partners: or, the Tragedian Turned Topsy Turvey', The Three Sisters Hayden Character Comediennes, The Ettenas Globe Artistes, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Vasey and Ramsey Grotesque Dance Act, Bros. Adderley, Mons. De Lil Illusionist, Austin Rudd Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 31 July 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.163
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mike Whallen Comedian, Nell Kenyon The Scotsman and His Pack, Tom Costello The Poor Old Clow’. Monday Next. R.A. Roberts. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue print.

Dates: 14 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 21 August 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.164
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. R.A.Roberts, Protean Actor in 'Dick Turpin', Will Van Allen Musical Dummy, Silent Tait Eccentric Wizard, Williams and Brown Cross-Talk Comedians, Charles Coverdale Comedian, Amy Donna Coon Vocalist and Dancer, Dion Wade Comedian and Mimic, Percy Honri Music, Song and Story. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 21 August 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 October 1905

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.165
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ethel Arden, Celebrated Actress Supported by and George Abel and Company in '3 of a Kind', Ethel Raleslie Burlesque Actress, The Two Bostons In Comic Act, 'The Novelty Showmen', George Rapley Character Comedian, Millie Howell Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Dot Stanley Vocalist and Dancer, The Bioscope, Jack Camp Comedian. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 October 1905

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 7 January 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.166
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Hill and Whittaker Harp, Banjo and Songs, New York Nippers Juvenile Entertainment, Nelly Farrell, Our Nell, Glittering Star of Erin, Henry Hallam and Josephine Stanton In Comedy Sketch, 'A Broken Journey', The Lovelaces American Song Illustrators, Freda Spry and B.S. Monti in 'The Dandy Guardsman', Sisters Marion Juvenile Duettists, The Royal Bioscope, Fred Keeton Comedian, W.J. Ashcroft Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool....
Dates: 7 January 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 18 February 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.167
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Charles R. Whittle Comedian, Collinson’s Topsy Turvey School, Walter Munroe Irish Comedian, Lyons Trio Pantomimists and Dancers, Mr. C. American Raconteur, Three sisters Grosvenor Singers of Popular Melodies, Tom Maxwell and Virginia Frances Comedy Act, Maud Courtney American Girl, The Royal Bioscope, Nellie Christie Negro Character Comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 18 February 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 24 June 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.168
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Billy Howard and Kathryn Harris in 'The Adventures of a Happy Tramp', Dan Thomas and Daisy Yates In Screaming Burlesque, 'Widow Twanky’s Laundry', Emma Don and her Black and White Comedy Team, Phil Bransby Coster Comedian, Lawrence Barclay Comedian, Dolly Denton Dainty Comedienne, The Royal Bioscope, Steve McCarthy Comedian and Expert Dancer, Marie Kendall Comedienne. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red...
Dates: 24 June 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.169
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Edith Muir, Hubert Bartlett and Co. in Comedy 'The Collar Stud!', Rose Elliott Singer, J.W.Gallagher Eccentric Comedian, Boden and Bell Juvenile Dancers, Nellie Cotter, Vocalist, Aimee Desiree Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, The Three Royal Dreadnoughts (Lillian, Vera and Major Charles) Rifle Shots and Famous Dog Nellie. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 22 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.170
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Primrose Quartette Vocalists, Baker and De Sales American Comedy Act, The Three Royal Temples Operatic Vocalists, E.R. Dainez and his Famous Animals, Prof. Hulbert Ventriloquist, Frank Leslie Vocal Comedian, Bros. Brasso Burlesque Acrobats and Comedy rampolines, De Lil Illusionist, The Royal Bioscope, 8 of Hearts Vocalists and Clever Dancers. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 29 July 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 12 August 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.171
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Comedian, Leoni Dixon Dainty Soubrette and Speciality Dancer, Fred Land Eccentric Character Comedian, Verno and Voyce Comedians, Jenny Reeve Comedienne, Jack Easy Character Comedian, Lily Langtry Comedienne, Royal Bioscope, Carrie Laurie’s Juveniles in the 'Kindergarten'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 12 August 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.172
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. James Mooney and Ida Holbein Songs and Acrobatic Dancing, Maide Scott Comedienne, Dusty Rhodes Comedy Merchant, George Collins Quaint Comedian, Lieut. Travis Ventriloquist, Ivy May Vocalist and Dancer, Talberto and Douglas Comedy, The Royal Bioscope, Ike and Will Scott Comedians. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 December 1907

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.173
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. King and Benson Comedy and Vocal Entertainment, The New York Nippers In Juvenile Scena 'Bedtime', Athas and Collins Variety Acts, F.V. St. Clair Singer, Conway and Leland the Merry Monopedes, Nellie Martell Comedienne and Dancer, Mr and Mrs Harold Finden in Farce 'A Mare’s Nest', Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Harry Russon Comedian and Actor Vocalist. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue, yellow, green and red type.

Dates: 16 December 1907

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 31 January 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.174
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Beaumont Collins and West-End Company in 'The Leaves Of Memory', Fred Edwards and Company Including Bertha Northam In Laughable Episode Kleptomaniacs, Andy McLeod Comedian, Raconteur and Instrumentalist, The Three Orleans Harmony and Dancing, Mark Leslie, The Swell Coon Songs and Dances, Davis and Dean Comedians and Shadow Dancers, Bessie Lind Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Cassie Walmer Contralto and Dancer. Printed by S. Griffith and Co,...
Dates: 31 January 1910

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 May 1910

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.175
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jennie Johns Comedienne, Joe O’Gorman Comedian, Story Teller, Vocalist and Dancer, Wilson Hallett Comedian, Quality Quartettte Vocal Comedy Act, Carlotta Levey Comedienne and Descriptive Vocalist, Ingram and Irving in 'The New Office Boy', Anna Heath Comedienne and Dancer, O’Gorman Bros. Comedians, Vocalist and Dancers, Bert Bryne Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope, Tom Taylor and Co. in 'The Plumbers'. Printed by S. Griffith and Co, Printers,...
Dates: 2 May 1910

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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