WRITER Born in Liverpool, England in 1947. 

Contemporary of fellow Liverpool playwright Alan Bleasdale and although often touching on similar themes in their work Russell has the much softer touch of the two. Had his break through with the stage musical Blood Brothers but is best known for movies such as Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita. Published the novel The Wrong Boy in 2000. 

KEY WORKS

The DAN AND DUSTY SHOW (guest) (2004)
100 GREATEST MUSICALS (interviewed) (2003)
OPEN HOUSE WITH GLORIA HUNNIFORD (2001)
BLITHERING NONSENSE (host) (1994)
The SOUTH BANK SHOW: WILLY RUSSELL (1993)
SCENE: TERRACES (1993)
JULIE WALTERS AND FRIENDS (co-writer and also appears) (1991)
SCREEN ONE: DANCIN' THRU THE DARK (1991)
SHIRLEY VALENTINE (1989)
The WRITE STUFF (1988)
ONE SUMMER (1985)
MR. LOVE (music)(1985)
ARTS REVIEW OF THE YEAR (1983)
EDUCATING RITA (1983)
LIVE FROM TWO (1982)
The ENGLISH PROGRAMME: The BOY WITH THE TRANSISTOR RADIO (1980)
PLAYHOUSE: The DAUGHTERS OF ALBION (1979)
SCENE: LIES (1978)
PLAY OF THE WEEK: OUR DAY OUT (1977)
2ND HOUSE: JOHN, PAUL, GEORGE, RINGO... AND BERT INSERT (1974)
2ND HOUSE: 2ND HOUSE IN LIVERPOOL (1973)