Olive Morrell


Olive Morrell, born Olive Miller, was an English actress, especially in Edwardian musical comedies.

Early life

Morrell grew up in Highgate, near London. A singing teacher introduced her to theatrical producer George Edwardes, which led to roles at the Gaiety Theatre, London.

Career

Morrell originated roles in the Edwardian musical comedies A Greek Slave, San Toy, A Country Girl, The Catch of the Season, Sergeant Brue, Under a Panama, The Talk of the Town, and The Spring Chicken. She appeared in a benefit performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's Trial by Jury in 1906. As a Gaiety Girl, Morrell's appearance and gowns were at least as reviewed as her talents, and she was a popular subject for photo postcards.
In 1904, Morrell defended actresses from criticism by writer Marie Corelli. "Actresses are not more extravagant than other people," Morrell responded.
She toured as a performer in musicals and pantomime Australia for six months in the 1906–1907 season. The press's interest in her appearance continued: "She is distinctly English, with her lovely complexion of milk and roses, a skin as fine as a baby's, straight delicate features, and good grey eyes," wrote one interviewer in a Melbourne newspaper, continuing to describe her teeth, her smile, her eyebrows, her hair, her height, and her dress.
"If any girl has any ability for the stage, I never blame her for going on," Morrell said in 1906. "It is really the best thing a woman can do, and now there is a very much better class upon the stage. Managers have realized, I think, that a girl who is decently educated and nicely brought up is quicker to understand and learn, and also that she generally makes a better impression than the comparatively uneducated girl."

Personal life

Morrell married Australian politician Willie Kelly in 1908, in London. When they separated, Morrell moved back to England with their daughter.