10 Interesting Willy Russell Facts

I will tell you Willy Russell Facts so that you know the dramatist from England. He was born on August 23rd, 1947. Russell is also recognized as a composer and lyricist. Can you mention the notable works of Russell? They include Our Day Out, Blood Brothers, Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita. The birthplace of Russell was located in Whiston, Lancashire. His full name is William Russell. However, people know him more as Willy Russell. Check other impressive facts about Russell below:

Willy Russell Facts 1: the early career

Russell landed as a ladies hairdresser after he left school at the age of 15.  He had his own saloon. He left this job when he was 21 years old since he wanted to pursue college education. Finally, he became a qualified teacher.

Willy Russell Facts 2: the college years

During his college years, Russell had tried various jobs such as writing, singing and performing. He started to write drama when he attended St Katharine’s College.

Willy Russell Facts

Willy Russell Facts 3: John McGrath

John McGrath was a writer who saw Russell participating in three one-act plays in 1972. Russell was recommended by McGrath to Liverpool Everyman. Thus, the first professional work of Russell was performed on theatre. Get facts about Vivaldi here.

Willy Russell Facts 4: the first play

Keep Your Eyes Down (1971) was the first play written by Russell. He wrote it in Liverpool when he studied at St. Katherine’s College of Higher Education.

Willy Russell Musical

Willy Russell Facts 5: a musical

Russell created a musical about the Beatles in 1974 under the title John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert. It had been performed for eight weeks under the commission of Liverpool Everyman. Then it was run for more than a year when it was transferred to West End.

Willy Russell Facts 6: the best musical

The best musical in 1974 was earned by John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert at the Evening Standard and London Theatre Critics awards. It was such an honor for Russell. Look at facts about Victor Hugo here.

Willy Russell Our Day Out

Willy Russell Facts 7: the premier of John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert

The premier of John, Paul, George, Ringo … and Bert took place in Liverpool at Everyman Theatre. In 1974, it was moved to the West End at Lyric Theatre.

Willy Russell Facts 8: other notable stage works

In 1978, he wrote Stags and Hens for his stage work. Previously, he had written One for the Road in 1976.

Willy Russell Educating Rita Poster

Willy Russell Facts 9: as a screenwriter

Due to his successful work on stage performance, he also had a job as a screenwriter for some TV movies likes One Summer, Our Day Out and Daughters of Albion.

Willy Russell Facts 10: Educating Rita

One of his amazing works is Educating Rita. It is included in the list of modern classic.

Willy Russell Shirley Valentine

Are you impressed after reading facts about Willy Russell?