Willy Russell
Birth Place: ENGLAND
Latest News on Willy Russell:
SHIRLEY VALENTINE to be Presented at North Fourth Theatre This Spring and Summer (Apr 20, 2026)
GERMANS DE SANG concluye su primera temporada este 8 de marzo y confirma su regreso para 2027 (Mar 5, 2026)
Review: EDUCATING RITA, Reading Rep Theatre (Mar 3, 2026)
SHIRLEY VALENTINE to be Presented at North Fourth Theatre This Spring and Summer (Apr 20, 2026)
GERMANS DE SANG concluye su primera temporada este 8 de marzo y confirma su regreso para 2027 (Mar 5, 2026)
Review: EDUCATING RITA, Reading Rep Theatre (Mar 3, 2026)
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
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.
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.
Photos: Madelyn Smedley And Julius D’Silva Star In EDUCATING RITA At Reading Rep Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 3, 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 3, 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.
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 7, 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 7, 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.
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.
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