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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, 17 January 1916

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.236
Scope and Contents Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe Comedian, Gilday and Fox Singing Hebrew Humorists, Leo Cud and Company in the L.C.C.’s 6 Musical Navvies-Musical Comedians, The Irish Strollers, Violin and a Voice, Syd Moorhouse, the Dandy Demon, Stella Stahl in Song and Dance Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Mollie Lindsay and Company in Scotch Domestic Company ‘The Washing House Key!, Jack Lorimer Scotch Comedian and Dancer. Blue and...
Dates: 17 January 1916

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 20 March 1916

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.237
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack and Evelyn in Their Latest Success, 'Carry On', Tom Hearn, the Lazy Juggler, Keir and Kempton Scotch Vocal Duo, Pynkie Whyte Californian Comedy, Harry Levaine Character Comedian, Harry Wenburn Comedian, P.J. Gillen and Company In Comedy Sketch, Rogers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Ruby Roya, a Radiant Personality. Blue and red type.

Dates: 20 March 1916

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 25 September 1916

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.238
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Gertie Gitana, Tom Purslow Burlesque Operatic Comedian, Fuji Family Japanese Jugglers and Equilibrists, George D’Albert Versatile Comedian, Frances and Alfred Juggler, Ivy Hurley Singer and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Wilbert Gamble Comedian, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians. Printed: None given but probably S Griffith and Co, Printers, Liverpool. Blue and red type.

Dates: 25 September 1916

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 March 1917

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.239
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Bransby Williams in Selections From His Wonderful Repertoire, Ernie Ream and his Baby Grand, Duncan and Godfrey Comedy, Ford and Truly Variety, Dolly Ross Chorus Comedienne, Bruce and Iris Clare Humorous Entertainers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showin ‘Daily News in Animation and the Latest War Pictures, Sam Stern Character Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 5 March 1917

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 15 July 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.240
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Talbot O’Farrell Witty Songs and Stories, The Piccadilians (Jessie, Estelle and Juliette) Musical Act, Babusio and Dax Comedy Acrobats and Tumblers, Jim C. Max in a Medley of Coon Songs and Dances, Gaye Gordon Comedienne, Royal Kondo Japanese Foot Juggler, Brown’s Royal Bioscope showing Latest War News in Animation, Molly Wells Chic Comedienne Assisted by Frank Mayban Some Bookworm Damage. Blue and red type.

Dates: 15 July 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 22 July 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.241
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Coram and the New Recruit Jerry in Ventriloquial Scena, The Quaint Q’s Comedy, Glee songs and Novel Dance, Zetta Mor Comedienne, Frank Powell Character, Patter Comedian, Vera Caine Athletic Girl, J.B. Strain Irish Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-Showing Latest War News in Animation, Suther One Man Musical Revue. Blue and red type.

Dates: 22 July 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 29 July 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.242
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Maidie Scott Comedienne, Fyne and Hurley Burlesque Comedians, Herbert La Martine Dancer, Harold Baker Eccentric Comedian, Jackson and Marte Comedians, Ivy Hurley Comedienne and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Gomez Trio Vocal and Instrumentalist Scena. Blue and red type.

Dates: 29 July 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 5 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.243
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Wilkie Bard Comedian, J.H. Scotland Song and Comedy, Woodward and Page Cycling, Music and Dancing, Les Altos Equilibristic Act, Sara Rosebury, the Lively Lancashire Lass, Marie and Rubie O’Rourke Musical Comedy and Dancing, Brown’s Royal Bioscope-Showing Latest War News in Animation John Lester’s Frisco 5, the Jollities of Jazz. Blue and red type.

Dates: 5 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 19 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.244
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Margaret Cooper and a Piano, Billy Housini and Company Comedy Juggling and Balancing Act, Hal Wright Burlesque Comedian, Brothers Curran Boxing Comedians, Hayes and Doree Comedy Duo, Sisters Gaye Comediennes and Speciality Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, May Sherrard Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 19 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 26 August 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.245
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. The Westminster Singers Male Voice Quartette, Marcelle and his Unique Partner, a Sea Lion, George Wilby Expressionist and Mimic, The Kitchen Comedy Four, Josephine Langley Ventriloquist, Sisters Gannon Duettists and Dancers, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, G.S. Melvin Versatile Scot. Blue and red type.

Dates: 26 August 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 2 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.246
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Ernie Lotinga in New Comedy Sketch 'Wanted A Wife', Fred Barnes incomparable Artiste, The Pigquays and Imp American Novelty Artistes, Delany and Dean Vocal, Comedy and Dancing, Marjorie Fulton Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing latest War News in Animation, Rich Hayes Clown, Daisy Taylor-Scotch Comedienne. Blue and red type.

Dates: 2 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 9 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.247
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. George Graves and Company in 'Koffo, of Bond Street', Tom E. Hughes, Edna Lyall Soprano Vocalist, Roelgin’s Parrots Performing Bird Act, Jaffa Conjoring Comic, Gwennie Morgan Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, George Hatton Presents The Bell-Hattons a Refined Musical Act. Blue and red type.

Dates: 9 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 16 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.248
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Miss Clarice Mayne and That Selections From Their Repertoire, Nora Delany Comedienne, Ernest Krake and Company Comedy Act In 'The Electric Tram Car Conductor', Alex Prince Concertina Soloist, Leonard and Stevens In Comedy Sketch 'Coming Home', Jack Poulter Comedian, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Wilfred Burnand Original Character and Song Studies. Blue and red type.

Dates: 16 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 23 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.249
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Jack Pleasants Comedian, Will Walton and Co. Lancashire Comedy Act, Kitty Curtis Impressionist, Belle and Betty Novel Dancing Scenas, George Ackroyd and Ethel Remish Flautist and Soprano, Nora and Dane Acrobatic Absurdities, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Fred Curran Comedian. Blue and red type.

Dates: 23 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 30 September 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.250
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Whit Cunliffe, Charles Cohan Hebrew Comedian, Sisters Reeve Pantomime Favourites in Dainty Songs and Duets, The Johnnys in Colour Shadow Southwood, His Pink Lady and a Piano, The 2 McCuskers Comedian and Dancer, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation Jerome and Carson In Vaudeville Breezes. Blue and red type.

Dates: 30 September 1918

Argyle Theatre of Varieties Poster, 14 October 1918

 Item
Reference code: 178R12.251
Scope and Contents

Argyle Theatre of Varieties, Birkenhead. Mdlle. Marguerite Scialtiel Supported by Jane Wells and Martin, Walker In One Act Comedy 'My Lonely Soldier', Jack Lane Yorkshire Rustic, Mart and Pep Spanish Entertainers Ethal Leslie, The Gallant, Band Master Morris One Man Band, Little Hazel Juvenile Comedienne, Brown’s Royal Bioscope Showing Latest War News in Animation, Oswald Bemand and his Famous Pet Wonder Pigeons. Blue and red type.

Dates: 14 October 1918

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

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