Argyle Theatre
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53°23′20″N 3°01′16″W / 53.389°N 3.021°W The Argyle Theatre was a theatre in Birkenhead, on the Wirral Peninsula, England. It was opened in December 1868, initially as the Argyle Music Hall.
Building
The theatre had seating for about 800, with pillars in the auditorium and long, narrow galleries running down either side. Its name was changed in 1876 to the Prince Of Wales Theatre and for several years plays were performed, before the name "Argyle" was eventually restored.[1]
Repertoire
The owner and manager between 1888 and 1934 was Dennis J. Clarke, a local councillor, businessman and entrepreneur. He was both popular and well respected and was responsible for helping launch numerous showbusiness careers. Established artistes such as W.C. Fields, Dan Leno and Marie Lloyd performed during the early years of the theatre's life. Stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Bud Flanagan & Chesney Allen, Harry Lauder, Stan Laurel, George Formby (Senior) and Eric Morecambe & Ernie Wise performed at the Argyle Theatre at the beginning of their careers.[1][2][3] The comedian, actor and ukulele player George Formby (Junior) made one of his earliest performances at the Argyle Theatre in 1921. In this instance, he was not a success and was booed off stage.[3]
Technology
In addition to the wealth of talent performing at the Argyle in person, it had other claims to fame. Clarke stated in 1896 that his theatre's vitagraph display was the first such display of moving pictures in England, outside London.[1] The Argyle also had the distinction of being the first theatre to host radio broadcasts.[1]
Bombing and closure
On 21 September 1940, the theatre received a direct hit during the Blitz of World War II and never re-opened.[2] However, the shell of the building remained in situ until 1973, when it was finally demolished.[3]