DESCRIPTION:
Record from 1910

Ella Retford first appeared as a dancer in 1900 but was an established singer of minstrel songs by 1905 and in years up to World War I expanded her vocal style and sang many Irish songs (she claimed to have been born in Ireland when it suited her). In 1910 she appeared at the London Palladium's opening night with two other future music hall stars, Nellie Wallace and Ella Shields.

Retford's best known songs were probably "I like Your Apron and Your Bonnet"
and "Look What Percy's Picked Up In The Park"

"Dainty, delightful, a magnificent principal boy and probably the best 'Alladdin' ever seen in pantomime. She aroused terrific enthusiasm in World War 1 with her song 'Hello There, Little Tommy Atkins'. She was sparkle and grace personified and her dancing was a joy. A woman of gentleness and charm off the stage and a vivid talent and beauty on it, she was one of the front rank." W. MacQueen Pope - The Melodies Linger On.

Her later career included musical comedy, revues and in 1940s a straight actress on stage and screen (she appeared on screen with the likes of Flora Robson and Margaret Lockwood and even a young Roger Moore who appeared uncredited in the 1949 film Paper Orchid.).

From 1900 to 1925 Retford became one of the most graceful of pantomime
principal boys. Amazingly at the age of 64 in 1949 she was lured back into
panto playing principal boy in Mother Goose at the Palace, Newcastle. Sadly, she collapsed during the production and this signalled the end of her career.

Retford appeared in 3 Royal Variety shows in 1912,1921 and 1938. Her husband was Tommy Dawe, a one-time stage manager with Fred Karno.