Willy Russell
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Willy Russell:
Theatre Collingwood Unveils 2026 Season Featuring the Fireside Festival and More (Nov 24, 2025)
Interview: Sehnaz Dirik Talks BLOOD BROTHERS at Theater UnCorked (Nov 21, 2025)
Dundee Rep Theatre Reveals 2026 Season Lineup (Nov 20, 2025)
Theatre Collingwood Unveils 2026 Season Featuring the Fireside Festival and More (Nov 24, 2025)
Interview: Sehnaz Dirik Talks BLOOD BROTHERS at Theater UnCorked (Nov 21, 2025)
Dundee Rep Theatre Reveals 2026 Season Lineup (Nov 20, 2025)
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
Video: Watch Highlights from CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-09-22 13:11:12
News
Theatre Collingwood Unveils 2026 Season Featuring the Fireside Festival and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025
Theatre Collingwood has unveiled its 2026 season, a year-long celebration of Connections Through Story, Song & Community. Running from January through November, the new season blends heartwarming theatre, uplifting music, and unforgettable live experiences across South Georgian Bay.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 24, 2025
Theatre Collingwood has unveiled its 2026 season, a year-long celebration of Connections Through Story, Song & Community. Running from January through November, the new season blends heartwarming theatre, uplifting music, and unforgettable live experiences across South Georgian Bay.
Interview: Sehnaz Dirik Talks BLOOD BROTHERS at Theater UnCorked
by R. Scott Reedy - Nov 21, 2025
In the past few theater seasons, Sehnaz Dirik has enhanced her reputation for playing strong women.
by R. Scott Reedy - Nov 21, 2025
In the past few theater seasons, Sehnaz Dirik has enhanced her reputation for playing strong women.
Dundee Rep Theatre Reveals 2026 Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Dundee Rep Theatre has announced its 2026 season, a celebration of community, world premieres, new voices, classics, and fresh work that invites audiences to connect with the life of the building and far beyond.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Dundee Rep Theatre has announced its 2026 season, a celebration of community, world premieres, new voices, classics, and fresh work that invites audiences to connect with the life of the building and far beyond.
MISS SAIGON, BLOOD BROTHERS, CATS, and More Set For 2026 at Birmingham Hippodrome
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a line-up of new productions on sale for 2026. New shows include Miss Saigon, Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, Sylvia, Cats and Blood Brothers.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2025
Birmingham Hippodrome has announced a line-up of new productions on sale for 2026. New shows include Miss Saigon, Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man, Sylvia, Cats and Blood Brothers.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Star Pauline Collins Passes Away at 85
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 6, 2025
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Pauline Collins, who played the title role in the solo play Shirley Valentine, has passed away.
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 6, 2025
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that stage and screen actress Pauline Collins, who played the title role in the solo play Shirley Valentine, has passed away.
Review: SHIRLEY VALENTINE Is An Amusing Piece Of Nostalgic Comedy That Still Holds A Relevance In The 21st Century
by Jade Kops - Oct 24, 2025
Director Lee Lewis brings Willy Russell’s (playwright) one woman comedy SHIRLEY VALENTINE back to the Sydney stage with Natalie Bassingthwaighte as the famous housewife that talked to walls and rocks.
by Jade Kops - Oct 24, 2025
Director Lee Lewis brings Willy Russell’s (playwright) one woman comedy SHIRLEY VALENTINE back to the Sydney stage with Natalie Bassingthwaighte as the famous housewife that talked to walls and rocks.
PETER PAN Comes to Port Sunlight This Christmas
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2025
Family audiences are in for a swashbuckling adventure this Christmas when Peter Pan flies into Port Sunlight. The Dreamworld Entertainments pantomime comes to the Gladstone Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 23, 2025
Family audiences are in for a swashbuckling adventure this Christmas when Peter Pan flies into Port Sunlight. The Dreamworld Entertainments pantomime comes to the Gladstone Theatre.
BLOOD BROTHERS to be Presented at Theater UnCorked in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
Theater UnCorked will present 'Blood Brothers', By Willy Russell, a poignant and powerful tale of love and desperation. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 23, 2025
Theater UnCorked will present 'Blood Brothers', By Willy Russell, a poignant and powerful tale of love and desperation. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
TV: El musical GERMANS DE SANG estrena el videoclip de ‘No pot ser veritat‘
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Sep 18, 2025
La nueva producción dirigida por Daniel Anglès, que llegará al Teatre Condal en diciembre de 2025, presenta un adelanto audiovisual con parte de su elenco protagonista.
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Sep 18, 2025
La nueva producción dirigida por Daniel Anglès, que llegará al Teatre Condal en diciembre de 2025, presenta un adelanto audiovisual con parte de su elenco protagonista.
Focus presenta su temporada 2025-2026
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Sep 5, 2025
La Cubana y Germans de sang encabezan la programación musical del grupo teatral catalán.
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Sep 5, 2025
La Cubana y Germans de sang encabezan la programación musical del grupo teatral catalán.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Adds Extra Performance in Sydney
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025
Due to popular demand, an additional matinee on Sunday 26 October has been added to the Sydney season of Shirley Valentine which will play at Theatre Royal Sydney.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 2, 2025
Due to popular demand, an additional matinee on Sunday 26 October has been added to the Sydney season of Shirley Valentine which will play at Theatre Royal Sydney.
BLOOD BROTHERS 2025 Autumn Tour To Open At Milton Keynes Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 18, 2025
Bill Kenwright’s multi award-winning production of Blood Brothers will launch its 2025 Autumn UK tour at Milton Keynes Theatre, with performances from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 August.
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 18, 2025
Bill Kenwright’s multi award-winning production of Blood Brothers will launch its 2025 Autumn UK tour at Milton Keynes Theatre, with performances from Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 August.
Autumn 2025 Cast Set For UK Tour of Bill Kenwright's BLOOD BROTHERS
by Stephi Wild - Jul 15, 2025
Bill Kenwright's production of Blood Brothers will continue later this year when the 2025 Autumn tour opens at Milton Keynes Theatre in August. Learn more about the cast here!
by Stephi Wild - Jul 15, 2025
Bill Kenwright's production of Blood Brothers will continue later this year when the 2025 Autumn tour opens at Milton Keynes Theatre in August. Learn more about the cast here!
Lyn Paul Joins MARY POPPINS UK and Ireland Tour as Bird Woman
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Lyn Paul will join the UK and Ireland tour of MARY POPPINS, as Bird Woman from Tuesday 18 November 2025. Lyn joins the company in Milton Keynes Theatre.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 26, 2025
Lyn Paul will join the UK and Ireland tour of MARY POPPINS, as Bird Woman from Tuesday 18 November 2025. Lyn joins the company in Milton Keynes Theatre.
WATCH: El reparto de GERMANS DE SANG interpreta ‘No Pot Ser Veritat’
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Jun 12, 2025
El próximo 13 de diciembre el Teatre Condal de Barcelona acogerá el estreno de una nueva versión de GERMANS DE SANG.
by Jose German Martinez Paneque - Jun 12, 2025
El próximo 13 de diciembre el Teatre Condal de Barcelona acogerá el estreno de una nueva versión de GERMANS DE SANG.
Se anuncia el reparto completo de GERMANS DE SANG, que regresa a Barcelona en diciembre
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Jun 11, 2025
Mariona Castillo, Triquell, Albert Salazar y Roc Bernadí lideran el reparto de esta nueva producción dirigida por Daniel Anglès.
by Juan-Jose Gonzalez - Jun 11, 2025
Mariona Castillo, Triquell, Albert Salazar y Roc Bernadí lideran el reparto de esta nueva producción dirigida por Daniel Anglès.
Guest Blog: 'I Needed To Do Something Drastic': Writer and Composer Tim Firth On Creating THIS IS MY FAMILY
by Guest Author - Jun 11, 2025
Someone once told me writing a musical with an original story would be like climbing Everest. This turned out to be not entirely true. A mountaineer at least knows Everest is there to be climbed. That it has a top to be reached. That it will not disappear under him halfway up. None of these comforts are afforded the writer. You have to have a really good reason for abandoning the reassurance of a pre-existing story.
by Guest Author - Jun 11, 2025
Someone once told me writing a musical with an original story would be like climbing Everest. This turned out to be not entirely true. A mountaineer at least knows Everest is there to be climbed. That it has a top to be reached. That it will not disappear under him halfway up. None of these comforts are afforded the writer. You have to have a really good reason for abandoning the reassurance of a pre-existing story.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS and More Set for Reading Rep 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025
Reading Rep Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season. The theatre will open the new season with their first musical production, a new revival production of Jason Robert Brown’s cult-favourite contemporary musical The Last Five Years. Learn more!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 30, 2025
Reading Rep Theatre has unveiled its 2025/26 season. The theatre will open the new season with their first musical production, a new revival production of Jason Robert Brown’s cult-favourite contemporary musical The Last Five Years. Learn more!
SHIRLEY VALENTINE Starring Natalie Bassingthwaighte Comes to Sydney and Brisbane
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025
Following seasons in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra, the joyous, life affirming comedy Shirley Valentine is heading to Sydney and Brisbane for strictly limited seasons.
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025
Following seasons in Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra, the joyous, life affirming comedy Shirley Valentine is heading to Sydney and Brisbane for strictly limited seasons.
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 the Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year for Shirley Valentine, the Olivier Award for Musical of the Year for Blood Brothers, and the Olivier Award for Comedy of the Year for Educating Rita.
Videos