Willy Russell
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Willy Russell:
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Reveal New Shows For 2025 (Nov 13, 2024)
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Comes to the Dukes, Lancaster (Nov 1, 2024)
Darlington Hippodrome Reveals Autumn 2024 Season Lineup (Sep 27, 2024)
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Reveal New Shows For 2025 (Nov 13, 2024)
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Comes to the Dukes, Lancaster (Nov 1, 2024)
Darlington Hippodrome Reveals Autumn 2024 Season Lineup (Sep 27, 2024)
Photos
Productions
Writing
Playwright
Bookwriter
Composer
Lyricist
Composer
Lyricist
Composer/Lyricist
Bookwriter
Bookwriter
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
Videos
News
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Reveal New Shows For 2025
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres have announcd new productions for 2025, the first season by new Creative Director Nathan Powell. Learn more about the lineup here!
Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse Theatres have announcd new productions for 2025, the first season by new Creative Director Nathan Powell. Learn more about the lineup here!
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Comes to the Dukes, Lancaster
Mina Anwar will reprise title role in Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman show. The Octagon Theatre Bolton’s critically acclaimed 2020 production of Willy Russell’s beloved comedy, Shirley Valentine, is back and will come to The Dukes from Wed 12th - Sat 22nd March.
Mina Anwar will reprise title role in Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman show. The Octagon Theatre Bolton’s critically acclaimed 2020 production of Willy Russell’s beloved comedy, Shirley Valentine, is back and will come to The Dukes from Wed 12th - Sat 22nd March.
Darlington Hippodrome Reveals Autumn 2024 Season Lineup
Darlington Hippodrome has announced its line-up of shows for autumn 2024 and beyond. With stand-up comedy, live music, dance, musicals and more, this is one of Darlington Hippodrome’s most varied season yet. Learn more about the lineup here!
Darlington Hippodrome has announced its line-up of shows for autumn 2024 and beyond. With stand-up comedy, live music, dance, musicals and more, this is one of Darlington Hippodrome’s most varied season yet. Learn more about the lineup here!
Photos: BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour
Production photos have been released for Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers as it continues to tour across the UK. Check out the photos here!
Production photos have been released for Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers as it continues to tour across the UK. Check out the photos here!
OFFROADING Comes to the Old Red Lion Theatre
Threadbare Theatre Company will bring Offroading to the Old Red Lion Theatre next month. Performances run September 3rd- 14th at Old Red Lion Theatre as well as September 22-October 3rd at The Crown Inn and Pub.
Threadbare Theatre Company will bring Offroading to the Old Red Lion Theatre next month. Performances run September 3rd- 14th at Old Red Lion Theatre as well as September 22-October 3rd at The Crown Inn and Pub.
BLOOD BROTHERS Will Return On UK Tour This Autumn
Bill Kenwright Ltd's award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK with latest dates and venues announced for Autumn 2024, opening on 20 August at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Bill Kenwright Ltd's award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK with latest dates and venues announced for Autumn 2024, opening on 20 August at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
BLOOD BROTHERS Set for Het Amsterdams Theaterhuis This Season
Happily Ever After Productions has announced the return of the critically acclaimed musical 'Blood Brothers' by Willy Russell, coming to the Amsterdams Theaterhuis stage from September 5 to September 8.
Happily Ever After Productions has announced the return of the critically acclaimed musical 'Blood Brothers' by Willy Russell, coming to the Amsterdams Theaterhuis stage from September 5 to September 8.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Returns To Pitlochry Festival Theatre in July
Pitlochry Festival Theatre will welcome back its award-winning production of the much-loved comedy Shirley Valentine this summer.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre will welcome back its award-winning production of the much-loved comedy Shirley Valentine this summer.
Octagon Theatre Bolton Unveils Autumn/Winter Season
The Octagon Theatre has revealed a sensational programme set to entertain audiences this autumn and into 2025. Learn more about the full lineup here!
The Octagon Theatre has revealed a sensational programme set to entertain audiences this autumn and into 2025. Learn more about the full lineup here!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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?
Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Blood Brothers, Outstanding New Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Shirley Valentine, Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Shirley Valentine, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Blood Brothers, Musical of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Blood Brothers and Comedy of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Educating Rita.
What awards has Willy Russell won?
Willy Russell has won several prestigious awards, including 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.
Videos