Willy Russell
Willy Russell is an actor, bookwriter, bookwriter/composer/lyricist whose BroadwayWorld credits include Shirley Valentine. Awards include Olivier Awards for Shirley Valentine (1988).
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Willy Russell:
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 Russell, Shirley 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 Russell, Educating Rita
Videos
Video: Watch Highlights from CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICAL UK Tour
by Nicole Rosky - 2023-09-22 13:11:12
News
BLOOD BROTHERS and More Join Floral Pavilion Autumn and Spring Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2026
The Floral Pavilion has unveiled new additions to its autumn and winter season, bringing an even wider choice of theatre, comedy, music, family entertainment and live performance to New Brighton.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 7, 2026
The Floral Pavilion has unveiled new additions to its autumn and winter season, bringing an even wider choice of theatre, comedy, music, family entertainment and live performance to New Brighton.
Photos: EDUCATING RITA at Curve
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 30, 2026
Curve theatre in Leicester has released production images from its staging of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, starring Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham and directed by Cara Nolan.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 30, 2026
Curve theatre in Leicester has released production images from its staging of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, starring Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham and directed by Cara Nolan.
Photos: BLOOD BROTHERS Embarks on Autumn 2026 Tour
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2026
Bill Kenwright’s Blood Brothers has embarked on its Autumn 2026 tour and has released new production images. Check out the new photos and learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 24, 2026
Bill Kenwright’s Blood Brothers has embarked on its Autumn 2026 tour and has released new production images. Check out the new photos and learn more about the show here!
GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS Will Open at St Helens Theatre Royal in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 21, 2026
The circus-themed pantomime runs from October 24 to November 1, 2026, at St Helens Theatre Royal. The cast includes Katie McKenna, Conor Barrie, Lewis Devine and Britain's Got Talent star Jamie Leahey. Tickets start at £20.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 21, 2026
The circus-themed pantomime runs from October 24 to November 1, 2026, at St Helens Theatre Royal. The cast includes Katie McKenna, Conor Barrie, Lewis Devine and Britain's Got Talent star Jamie Leahey. Tickets start at £20.
BLOOD BROTHERS to Play Storyhouse Chester in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 1, 2026
Bill Kenwright's touring production of BLOOD BROTHERS will run at Storyhouse in Chester from October 13-17, 2026, with Vivienne Carlyle starring as Mrs Johnstone.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 1, 2026
Bill Kenwright's touring production of BLOOD BROTHERS will run at Storyhouse in Chester from October 13-17, 2026, with Vivienne Carlyle starring as Mrs Johnstone.
Autumn Cast and Further Dates Set For BLOOD BROTHERS Tour
by Stephi Wild - Aug 25, 2026
Blood Brothers has announced cast for the upcoming Autumn tour. It also announces further dates for the 2027 Spring tour. Learn more about the production here.
by Stephi Wild - Aug 25, 2026
Blood Brothers has announced cast for the upcoming Autumn tour. It also announces further dates for the 2027 Spring tour. Learn more about the production here.
EDUCATING RITA at Curve to Star Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2026
Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham will lead Curve's new production of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, directed by Associate Director Cara Nolan in Leicester.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 13, 2026
Alexandra Mardell and Dominic Mafham will lead Curve's new production of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, directed by Associate Director Cara Nolan in Leicester.
EDUCATING RITA to Return to Curve Theatre in New Production This Autumn
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
Curve Theatre in Leicester will stage a new production of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, directed by Associate Director Cara Nolan, following Susan 'Rita' White's journey of self-discovery through an unlikely Open University friendship.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 1, 2026
Curve Theatre in Leicester will stage a new production of Willy Russell's EDUCATING RITA, directed by Associate Director Cara Nolan, following Susan 'Rita' White's journey of self-discovery through an unlikely Open University friendship.
SHIRLEY VALENTINE to be Presented at North Fourth Theatre This Spring and Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2026
West End Productions will present Shirley Valentine at North Fourth Theatre in Albuquerque in May and June, starring Jessica Osbourne and directed by Colleen Neary McClure.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 20, 2026
West End Productions will present Shirley Valentine at North Fourth Theatre in Albuquerque in May and June, starring Jessica Osbourne and directed by Colleen Neary McClure.
GERMANS DE SANG concluye su primera temporada este 8 de marzo y confirma su regreso para 2027
by Adela González Pérez - Mar 5, 2026
Tras cautivar a más de 50.000 espectadores y agotar localidades, el aclamado musical se despide este fin de semana del Teatre Condal anunciando su vuelta en febrero de 2027.
by Adela González Pérez - Mar 5, 2026
Tras cautivar a más de 50.000 espectadores y agotar localidades, el aclamado musical se despide este fin de semana del Teatre Condal anunciando su vuelta en febrero de 2027.
Photos: Madelyn Smedley And Julius D’Silva Star In EDUCATING RITA At Reading Rep Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 2, 2026
Reading Rep Theatre has released first-look production photos of EDUCATING RITA, starring The Traitors finalist Madelyn Smedley and West End actor Julius D’Silva.
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 2, 2026
Reading Rep Theatre has released first-look production photos of EDUCATING RITA, starring The Traitors finalist Madelyn Smedley and West End actor Julius D’Silva.
Review: EDUCATING RITA, Reading Rep Theatre
by Jo Caruana - Mar 3, 2026
The filter-like haze hits you first. Then the occasional lighting, the tiled ceiling, and the faint whiff of the 80s. But it's the arrival of two extraordinary performances – Madelyn Smedley's fizzing, fearless Rita and Julius D'Silva's weary, cynical Frank – that makes Reading Rep Theatre's Educating Rita something truly special. And it's also really fun.
by Jo Caruana - Mar 3, 2026
The filter-like haze hits you first. Then the occasional lighting, the tiled ceiling, and the faint whiff of the 80s. But it's the arrival of two extraordinary performances – Madelyn Smedley's fizzing, fearless Rita and Julius D'Silva's weary, cynical Frank – that makes Reading Rep Theatre's Educating Rita something truly special. And it's also really fun.
Jonathan Watson and Grace Galloway Will Lead EDUCATING RITA at Dundee Rep Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
Dundee Rep Theatre has announced the cast of their fresh and heartfelt revival of one of Britain's best-loved plays, Educating Rita. Learn more about the show here!
by Stephi Wild - Feb 26, 2026
Dundee Rep Theatre has announced the cast of their fresh and heartfelt revival of one of Britain's best-loved plays, Educating Rita. Learn more about the show here!
Review: BLOOD BROTHERS, Theatre Royal Brighton
by Caroline Cronin - Feb 12, 2026
Three years ago, I sat in this same auditorium reviewing Blood Brothers for this publication, and I wondered then what gives this show its extraordinary staying power. Returning now to see the very same production - with the same creative team and even some returning cast members - the answer is clear. In a world where social mobility remains fraught and divisions persist on a global level, the story feels anything but dated.
by Caroline Cronin - Feb 12, 2026
Three years ago, I sat in this same auditorium reviewing Blood Brothers for this publication, and I wondered then what gives this show its extraordinary staying power. Returning now to see the very same production - with the same creative team and even some returning cast members - the answer is clear. In a world where social mobility remains fraught and divisions persist on a global level, the story feels anything but dated.
Photos: In Rehearsal for EDUCATING RITA At Reading Rep Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026
Rehearsal photos have been released for EDUCATING RITA at Reading Rep Theatre, starring Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva. Directed by Annie Kershaw, Willy Russell’s play runs from February 26 through March 21, with a press night on March 2.
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 6, 2026
Rehearsal photos have been released for EDUCATING RITA at Reading Rep Theatre, starring Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva. Directed by Annie Kershaw, Willy Russell’s play runs from February 26 through March 21, with a press night on March 2.
Claire Sweeney Will Play Miss Hannigan in the UK and Ireland Tour of ANNIE
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026
Claire Sweeney will star as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of the beloved musical ANNIE. The tour will bring this classic story to audiences across the region, showcasing Sweeney's dynamic portrayal of the iconic role.
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2026
Claire Sweeney will star as Miss Hannigan in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of the beloved musical ANNIE. The tour will bring this classic story to audiences across the region, showcasing Sweeney's dynamic portrayal of the iconic role.
Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva Join EDUCATING RITA at Reading Rep
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026
Actors Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva are set to make their Reading Rep Theatre debuts in a new production of EDUCATING RITA, directed by Annie Kershaw. Learn more here!
by Stephi Wild - Jan 27, 2026
Actors Madelyn Smedley and Julius D’Silva are set to make their Reading Rep Theatre debuts in a new production of EDUCATING RITA, directed by Annie Kershaw. Learn more here!
BLOOD BROTHERS Reveals Spring 2026 Cast and Tour Dates
by Stephi Wild - Dec 17, 2025
Bill Kenwright production of the international hit musical, Blood Brothers has announced its Spring 2026 tour dates, opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
by Stephi Wild - Dec 17, 2025
Bill Kenwright production of the international hit musical, Blood Brothers has announced its Spring 2026 tour dates, opening at Churchill Theatre, Bromley on Wednesday 14 January 2026.
GERMANS DE SANG vuelve a Barcelona
by Laia Galiana Massanet - Dec 12, 2025
La nueva producción ya se puede ver en el Teatre Condal, donde se estrenó en 1994
by Laia Galiana Massanet - Dec 12, 2025
La nueva producción ya se puede ver en el Teatre Condal, donde se estrenó en 1994
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.
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 Comedy of the Year at the Olivier Awards for Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita. He also received the Musical of the Year award at the Olivier Awards for Blood Brothers.
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