Willy Russell Headshot

Willy Russell

Birth Place: ENGLAND

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Willy Russell Productions

 
[West End, 2023]
writer

Writing

Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter

Willy Russell Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Book of a Musical

Willy Russell , Blood Brothers

Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding New Play

Willy Russell, Shirley Valentine


winner
Olivier Awards - 1988 - Comedy of the Year

Willy RussellShirley Valentine

Olivier Awards - 1988 - Musical of the Year

Willy Russell, Blood Brothers


winner
Olivier Awards - 1983 - Musical of the Year

Willy Russell, Blood Brothers


winner
Olivier Awards - 1980 - Comedy of the Year

Willy RussellEducating Rita

Willy Russell Videos

Willy Russell News


Olivier Awards 2024: The Full List of Winners


The biggest stars of London theatre gathered today at the Royal Albert Hall for the Olivier Awards 2024, hosted by Hannah Waddingham. Find out about Sunset Boulevard and the night's other big winners!

BroadwayWorld's Olivier Awards 2024 Predictions


The 2024 Olivier Awards are fast approaching on April 14. Ahead of one of the most exciting nights in theatreland, our critics – Aliya Al-Hassan, Mica Blackwell, Alexander Cohen, Katie Kirkpatrick, Kat Mokrynski, Gary Naylor, Kerrie Nicholson, Matthew Paluch and Christiana Rose share their thoughts about who and what will triumph on the night, as well as who should twin each category.

SUNSET BOULEVARD, PLAZA SUITE, and More Nominated For Olivier Awards; Full List!


The nominations are in for this year's Olivier Awards! Among those nominated are Sunset Boulevard, Plaza Suite, The National Theatre, and many more. Check out the full list of nominations here!

Cast Set for North American Premiere of AGREEMENT at Irish Arts Center


Irish Arts Center has revealed the cast of the North American premiere of Lyric Theatre, Belfast’s Agreement.

Hedgerow Theatre Announces Willy Rusell's SHIRLEY VALENTINE To Run With The New Electric Ballroom In February


Hedgerow Theatre presents Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine in repertory with Enda Walsh's The New Electric Ballroom, exploring life's potential. Don't miss this exciting production in February!

Details Revealed For Upcoming Tours of BLOOD BROTHERS, CALENDAR GIRLS, and More in 2024


Bill Kenwright Ltd has announced their upcoming Spring 2024 touring productions, which include Blood Brothers, Calendar Girls the Musical, Twelve Angry men, and Sleuth. Casting and tour dates have been revealed for all four touring productions. Learn more about the full lineup below!

Birmingham Hippodrome Reveals Line-up Of New Shows


Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a new season of shows for 2024. Learn more about the full lineup, including Disney's Aladdin, and more! Plus find out how to get tickets here!

Castle Craig Players Revive Raunchy Seuss Parody WHO'S HOLIDAY!


Don't miss the raunchy one-woman parody 'WHO'S HOLIDAY!' at Castle Craig Players. Follow the bizarre journey of Cindy Lou Who, now bitter and living in a trailer home. A must-see for mischievous adult theater-goers this holiday season!

Review: BLOOD BROTHERS, Theatre Royal Brighton


Whether you're a lifelong mega-fan of Blood Brothers, or have never heard of it, this particular production is so finely curated with accomplished performances that I can't imagine anyone being disappointed. 

Video: Watch Highlights from CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour


Production highlights from the new production of Calendar Girls the Musical have been released. Watch the cast in action in this video!

Pitlochry Festival Theatre Reveals Summer 2024 Season Lineup


Pitlochry Festival Theatre has announced its lineup of world premieres, smash-hit musicals, and acclaimed returning productions for its 2024 summer season. Learn more about the full lineup here and find out how to get tickets

Photos: First Look at CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour


Production photos from the new production of Calendar Girls the Musical have been released. Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth, the cast includes recent stars from Coronation Street and EastEnders (Amy Robbins and Tanya Franks), three recording stars whose hit records have approached nearly 70 million in sales (Lyn Paul with The New Seekers, Maureen Nolan with The Nolans and musical theatre star Marti Webb), the co-star of one of TV’s most popular series of the last twenty years (Honeysuckle Weeks of Foyles War), and Paula Tappenden star of Blood Brothers.  

BLOOD BROTHERS Returns to Theatre Royal Brighton Next Month


Bill Kenwright's production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers continues to tour across the UK. The much-loved musical, known for sell out houses across the country, returns to Theatre Royal Brighton from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 October 2023.

Cast Set For the UK Tour of CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL


The cast has been revealed for the new production of Calendar Girls the Musical, written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth. Learn more about the cast, the tour, and how to get tickets, here!

Ghostlight Players to Bring BLOOD BROTHERS to the Stage


Immerse yourself in the captivating world of 'Blood Brothers' as GHOSTLIGHT PLAYERS presents this mesmerizing musical. Experience the power and emotion of this beloved show as talented performers bring the story to life on stage. Don't miss out on this unforgettable performance at GHOSTLIGHT PLAYERS.

CAPS-NH to Bring Comedy and Drama to the Stage with EDUCATING RITA at The Hatbox Theatre


Get ready for a night of laughter and emotion as CAPS-NH presents 'Educating Rita' at The Hatbox Theatre. This heartwarming play tells the story of a determined woman's journey of self-discovery and the transformative power of education.

Joe McGann and Jake Norton Premiere New Play SOBER COMPANION at Liverpool Theatre Festival


Liverpool Theatre Festival returns in less than two weeks – and one highlight of the 11-day programme is Sober Companion, a specially commissioned new play co-written and co-starring Liverpool-born actor Joe McGann and Jake Norton. 

Shakespeare North Playhouse Celebrates its First Birthday


Shakespeare North Playhouse, a world-class cultural landmark situated in the heart of Prescot, is celebrating its first birthday. 

BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour Sets New Dates and Venues


Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK with latest dates, venues and casting revealed.

Full Cast Announced For BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour


Bill Kenwright's award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, BLOOD BROTHERS is back on tour this summer and the full cast was just announced. Check out who will be hitting the road!

Willy Russell FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Willy Russell written?

Willy Russell has written 3 shows including Blood Brothers (Bookwriter), John, Paul, George, Ringo...and Bert (Composer/Lyricist), Shirley Valentine (Playwright).

What awards has Willy Russell been nominated for?

Willy Russell has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. Some of his notable nominations include Best Book of a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Blood Brothers," Outstanding New Play at the Drama Desk Awards for "Shirley Valentine," Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Shirley Valentine" and "Educating Rita," as well as Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Blood Brothers."

What awards has Willy Russell won?

Willy Russell has won several prestigious awards for his work in theater. These include Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Shirley Valentine," Musical of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Blood Brothers," and Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for "Educating Rita."

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