Town History
This page last updated Monday, 28-Dec-2009 10:45:48 GMT
The Argyle Theatre
The most famous theatre in Birkenhead was the ARGYLE, in Argyle Street. It was opened in 1868, but it was not until after 1891, when
Dennis J. Clarke took over as manager, that the Argyle became noted as a Music Hall. Many well known stars appeared there before achieving fame,
such names as Harry Lauder, Charlie Chaplin, George Formby, Flanagan and Allen, who first sang Underneath the arches there, Stan Laurel,
and many others. It all came to a sad end on 21st September 1940, when the theatre recieved a direct hit from a german incendiary bomb. Today part of Beattie's Store car park
occupies the site
TWO FIRSTS BY THE ARGYLE
9th November 1896 - Films were shown at the Argyle for the first time outside of London.
14th April 1931 - The first live radio broadcast from a Music Hall was made by the BBC
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