David Holmes - Chester
Dear Willy. The Chester Chronicle is trying to garner support from well-known people for our campaign to reopen the city's Gateway Theatre. You may already be aware that the Gateway Theatre closed in February 2007 to make way for a regeneration scheme, including a new performing arts centre, but the whole thing is officially on hold until 2012 at the earliest because of the credit crunch, with no guarantee it will ever happen. The building is still intact and part of it is used by local amateur group Tip Top, who are about to stage your play Breezeblock Park, but the main auditorium needs about £1m spending on it to bring it up to standard. We are not seeking financial support but an endorsement for our campaign to bring the theatre back into use for the good of the arts in the city. If you can support our campaign in the form of a few lines of text we would be most grateful.

Becky B - London
All i really came on here to do was thank you Willy. You are the playwright who has inspired me to become an actor, to write my own material and become even more passionate about the theatre. When i first watched Educating Rita, i was blown away. It is my favourite film of all time and has inspired me in so many ways. You are one of the reasons that i am deeply in love with literature and theatre. Thanks, becky x

Hernando Silvero - Paraguay
I apologise for using this form to make an inquiry but I was unable to download your e-mail address. We are a small charity in Paraguay. Our main activity is language teaching and have been asked to support a small amateur theatrical group which would like to stage Educating Rita. I should be most graeful if you could direct me to the appropriate representative to discuss theatre rights.

Lisa Taylor - Worcestershire
Re Dancing Thru the Dark.  This is one of my all time favourite films and I am so disappointed it is not available to buy on DVD.  Can't we set up some sort of petition.   I had the video and stupidly lent it to a friend after raving about it and never got it back!  I miss it.   I've seen most of Willy's work and Dancing and Blood Brothers are my ultimate favourity although Educating Rita comes very close. Oh lets just face it the man's a genius!

Natham Taylor - Portsmouth

All i can say about Blood brothers is that it is amazing! im currently 14 and have seen the play twice in 6 mounths. I first seen the willy russells - Blood brothers travelling cast of 2008 starring linda nolan in Nottingham earlier in 2008. I was a bit worried that i wasnt going to enjoy it at first. But when there i loved it and couldnt get enough of the songs! In october 2008 i found out that my school were going to see the play for our coursework at the mayflower thearter southampton. Dispite me not studying blood brothers for my gcses me and my friends went along and i really enjoyed the night!  When i grow up i have one ambition. Thats to be a actor on Blood Brothers, I am planning on going again next year with the other side of my family. As for Willy Russell all i can say is thank you so much for making such a brilliant play it has really inspired me to go to the thearter more. I highly recommend going to see this werever you are or however long it will take you to get there!  Thanks.

Fiona Barnes - Stevenage
i am a student and read this book called our day out for are coursework it is a really funny book and i love it.  i hope everyone would be able to do this play for their coursework as i would recomend it!!!

Johnson & Robinson - Mansfield
Hey willy, We are you absolutely your biggest fans! We love you book Educating Rita! extreme piece of writing so tense! it made me want to carry on. I also love your book Our Day out! Mrs.Kay was an amazing character. But our favorite is BLOOD BROTHERS! micky and eddie the poor sods! being split up at birth and taken away. I feel for them. I think your books are amazing. But i think you should write a book called sister trouble :) and the two sisters be called Naomi & Natasha, it could be about, Two twin sisters that always get into trouble. and so on. and you could write inspired by two young girls! haha!! sorry we realy adore you.

WE LOVE YOU WILLY!!!!!!!!!

Pauline Raw - Plymouth
Started reading the script with KS3and covering associated acrivities thinking we could get the film- wrong. Please try your best to make the BBC re issue the film? Thanks.

Sue Short - Middlesborough
I am a school librarian and have been asked by the drama department to obtain the prologue Willy delivered on the South Bank show many years ago starting 'I hate the arts'. I have noticed another query of the same nature fromDaniel Reuben - USA - formerly Liverpool. Can you please help? Many thanks

Graham Rothwell - Whiston
Seen this film many times over the years and never tire of the profound impact it has had on me as Ive got older. Its only one of a few films that do actually grow on you as you get older. The initial humour I saw in the characters when I was young has now developed into still humour and some sadness at the situations some of the people are in. Should be shown to all kids and let them decide on the impact. Still not available to buy. Bad.

Howard Greenwood - Mobberley
I have achieved my ambition of getting a copy of our day out on dvd..........i loved it when it was first shown and now it still draws me to watch it repeatedly 30 years later. potential for a follow up there.......perhaps "our day reunion"maybe

Sim Parrot - Manchester
Hi Willy, Dad has fond memories of Kirby Fields College and meeting you and your wife at her mum's. Small world I then met your daughter in London when I took a school trip to see Joseph. Are you a Change School Practioner? if so can we buy some time from you as I am trying to put together a story and script writing programme for Primary children. Cheers

A School Librarian - Colwyn Bay
Another request for a ‘Blood Brothers’ DVD, this time from students at a Colwyn Bay School.  Any chance of a DVD being produced in the near future?

Naomi Jones - Rhuddlan
Hiaa, Well I'm Only 14 But We're Are Doing A Performance Of 'Our Day Out' In Our School Soon. I think that this is such a good film.
Thankyou Willy Russell

Helen Cave - Australia (prev Yorkshire)
Ref Dancin Thru the Dark, and comments made in the Liverpool Post in january this year... “I am thinking of taking Dancin’ Thru the Dark to my people, putting a copy together and putting it on my website and giving it away and waiting for them to sue me. Then we might get something done about it.” PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO IT!!!  I have loved this film for so long after first getting it on hire from the local video rental place when it first came out on VHS.  I would really like to have this film on DVD!  It is awesome!!! 

Paul and Judy Joe - UK

I just came across your guestbook and read the note from Karen about Dancin thru the Dark.   I watched it just the other day on our video that we have of the film.   Paul really enjoyed working on it so much.   I too think it should be re-released.  

Paul Wilkinson- West Wales
In 1972, when I was slightly unwell, and languishing in St Katharine's sick bay, Willy sent me a get well soon card with a poem in it mostly of his own devising. At the end, it said, "For posterity..when I am famous". I was just wondering if it is worth anything yet. It is on nice purple paper...aah, the seventies.
On the subject of which, I think Allan Steven's post lower down this page shows a remarkable command of memory for a man of his age. Hello to all you Cateysaints.

Evangeline Trout - Cardiff
Hello Willy. You dont know me but i love your work. i must say, 'The wrong boy' its a comic masterpiece. i love willy.

Anna Torpey - Wallasey
Like Willy Russell, my dad was a teacher in Liverpool in the 70s (and 80s and 90s and 00's!) and having watched Our Day Out the other night, I can see exactly why he loves it so much. It is a wonderful piece of social history, and I am absolutely gutted that it's not available on video or DVD! It is compulsory viewing. Thank you very much Willy Russell(Sir!)

Jacqueline Lucas - Wirral
It does not seem like over 30 years since i played Linda Croxley in our day out, but we all had the best time of our lives, and it was a great experience, i wonder what has happened to pedre james the producer and all my other fellow castmates

Kieth Frisby - Brit Ex Pat Philly USA
Willy, Do you think we wil ever see your masterpiece released on DVD? I would much rather you make some money out of it, as opposed to the pirates on Ebay. If you dont have any control over this please can you let me know who owns the rights to the dvd , so I can moan at them also. Regards and thanks, Keith

Name withheld - Ruthin, North Wales
saw 'Our Day Out' again last night, first time I've seen it in ages and I still love it, I never get bored of any of the kid's and adult's performances.  Here's to the potential of a dvd

John Parry - Norris Green, Liverpool
hello just watched Our Day Out again after a very long time just wanted to know what beach the kids were on anyone help??

Louise Saunders - Isle of Skye, Scotland
I've enjoyed every piece of writing/film that Willy Russel has touched. He has that gift on 'knowing' his characters.  Years ago, I saw 'Our Day Out' and would love to see it again.  Is there anywhere that it can be downloaded or purchased?

Christian Villarreal - Santiago de Chile
Me encanta este autor y deseo saber a que dirección puedo dirigir parta comprar la licencia de "SHIRLEY VALENTINE", para poder montarla en Santiago, y poder invitar al Sr. Russell a Santiago, al estreno, en el 2009.

Kate Lyons - Liverpool
Hi, I've been searching for a dvd of 'Dacin Thru the Dark for ages and I have just managed to get one. It's just as brilliant as I remembered it.

Jason Horne - Liverpool
I have never been to the theatre much but the best play i have ever seen was Blood Brothers at the Empire when kiki dee and con o'neill starred in it, talking about con o'neill when are we ever gonna see the dvd release of dancin thru the dark in the uk, cheers Willy.

Emma - Wirral
I'm a huge fan of Dancin' Thru The Dark, is there any hope of tracking down the blighters who own that tape so we can have it on dvd? Willy, your plays are a work of genius, they evok all kinds of emotions when watching them, just amazing.

Sandy Clark - Thames Ditton
My husband has seen Blood Brother's about 12 times since I met him 7 years ago, this is his favourite musical. He turns 40 next year - if anyone knows how I can make extra special by getting to meet the crew I would be eternally grateful.

Amanda Scott - NSW, Australia
I think I’m participating in a bit of a Willy Russell Festival at present. From March to May this year I played the part of Rita in ‘Educating Rita’ in Coffs Harbour (NSW, Australia) I loved being Rita for the 6 months it took me to master her. The language of your writing is superb. I loved getting the accent right, it was a treat. The journey I took with Rita was a delight and I can’t wait to do ‘Shirley Valentine’ next year.......when you’re on a roll.......... I was lucky enough to see a performance of ‘Blood Brothers’ a couple of weeks ago .......see what I mean by a Festival. Just keep writing those beautifully wordy scripts........more for older woman now please..........I’m heading for 50.....any suggestions for other roles I might be able to tackle?

Margie Starr - UK
Hi there I have just been to see our local production of Blood Brothers it was wonderful after seeing the overseas version many years ago with David Soul as the narrator I have never forgotten it. I wonder if it will ever be made into a DVD format do you know. I would love to get hold of one.     Thank you.

Diane Cave - Aberdeen
I've just finished reading The Wrong Boy and LOVED it.  I didn't know Willy had written a novel until I came across it in a charity shop recently. Of course I had to buy it because I've enjoyed the plays so much over the years.  As the mum of a teenage son, I really identifed with the characters - it made me smile and laugh and cry (somewhat embarrassing since I read on the bus!) and I didn't want it to end.    I heard there's to be a tv or film adaptation - any news on that?  Or maybe it's better to leave it as a book - the way the story unfolds through Raymond's letters works perfectly.  Thank you.

John Lawson - UK
Wouldn’t it be great if Blood Brothers was recorded on DVD as a stage show to celebrate its 20th year?   Is anyone thinking of doing this?   I think it should be made even if the release is held back until the show closes in the West End which (sadly) will eventually happen.

Daniel Reuben - USA - formerly Liverpool
Is there any way to get hold of or view the wonderful South Bank Show special on Willy? Would love to see it again. Any chance of posting it here?

Brian Marshall - OH USA
Dear Willy, My brother and I are doing Blood Brothers at a summer stock theatre company in ohio and we were wondering what the "living on the gyro" lyric was in reference to? We aren't familiar with the phrase and were hoping you could clue us in. Thanks!

John Mckeown - Belfast
Just been to see blood brothers in the opera house belfast. found it a rollcoaster of emotions. but the social message it sent out was wonderful. how by the luck of the draw determined how the boys lives would develope. working class guy was beat right from the start. i lived in skelmersdale  in 1972 ,after moving there when the troubles in ireland started. could relate how liverpudlians where rehoused there. wonderful story willie. thanks and good lck

Audrey Glover - Lancaster
Please can you tell me where I can get a copy of the script/video of  "Lies" by Willy Russell

Bronte Mitchelmore - Exeter
Wow, Who knew Willy Russell could achieve all this. im only 13 but i like how much he has made of his life. Me and my class were reading his book "Our Day Out" in English and its a very good book. its a play to so thats even better. Well done Willy keep it up!!!

Sian Morris - Carmarthen, West Wales
I know Blood Brothers isn't available for amateurs - shame but what about John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert?  Could I get a licence for my group JUST GOOD FRIENDS to perform this next Easter?

Janet Street - Liverpool
Dear Willy, Absolutely love all your work. I have always wanted to write, and have had a few poems published, one about Liverpool.  I am now finally starting to write a short story, but would love professional advice on my ideas so far. Can I send it to you please, or can you advise me who may be interested in taking a look at it.

Ann Hvaal - Wrexham
Best evening ever at the theatre, an evening with Willy and Tim Firth at the Theatre Clwyd, Mold.  Any plans to repeat this performance?

Charlotte Harvey - Canada
Hello-will you, Willy Russell, be releasing a film version of Blood Brothers? Thanks,

Jacqueline Corrigan - Dublin
Great site, what a find!? When I was 16 and studying for CSE Drama in a school on the Wirral (yes it's quite a while ago!) I wrote to Willy Russell ( as well as Norman Wisdom and John Cleese..I had fairly eclectic tastes in comedy, and nothing much has changed!. They all replied some more personally than others, and Willy sent me a letter inviting me to his house armed with a tape recorder. With much excitement I showed the letter to my teacher who told me not to bother as I'd finished the exam! I have many regrets in life, happlily most of them pretty insignificant, but I really kick myself for missing out on the opportunity of meeting a man who would later become a huge influence on my writing. In my teenage naiveity, I thought grown ups had all the answers!

I'm now a mum of two living in Dublin and in the last couple of years have taken up a bit a scribbling, a radio play that I wrote was shortlisted here in Ireland for the RTE PJ O'Connor  Awards, and I have recently been drafting a version for the stage, I would love to send a copy to Willy, I would really appreciate his feedback.

Jennifer Roussset - Queensland, Australia
HI, can anyone help.Am choregaphing blood Bros..need some hlep with the moves..saw it twice 20 yrs ago, loved it ..OF COURSE..but am stucks for moves..is there anything OUT there to help..normaly I would look at a DVD you see

Bridget Bean - Tampa, FL, USA
Hi Willy! I love your work and over the years I have played the roles of both Rita and Shirley. Is there any chance you might write a play in the future with a great part for an actress in her 50's? I'd love to know that in the years to come there'll be another Willy Russell role for me to play.

Matthew Marshall - Liverpool
For our GCSE English in school we recently read Educating Rita, and in the foreword Willy Russell talks about going to a school in Huyton near a council estate in his youth for a short time. We think the way he describes it meets the description of our school.  Could you find out if Willy Russell attended our school, which has had the names of Seel Road Modern Comprehensive, Huyton Hey and Knowsley Hey, on Seel Road, Huyton. I would be grateful If you can find out if this is the school Russell describes or if not, if you can find out the name of the school. Thanks.

Karen Palin - Liverpool
Please re-release dancing thru the dark, I still remember it from years ago and would love to be able to buy it on DVD.

Sue Fowler - UK
Have you come across a screenplay ‘Politics and Terror’ probably written by Willy Russell 1978-80? Its not listed anywhere that I can find…

Mark J Tansley - Nottingham
hi there. would just like to say ive seen yet again about the 6th time now the dramatic Blood Brothers in Nottingham UK The voice of Linda Nolan was as amazing as ever I simply love going to see live entertainment and collect signatures of things I see Would it be possible for me to send my Blood Brothers Programme, CD, flyer? somewhere to be signed by the great Willy Russell

Kirsten - Birkenhead
Just want to say dancin thru the dark is the best film ever and please if you ever make it again can i be in it? Worth an ask

Ivan Chilquillo, Cesar Gutierrez & Juan Villegas - Lima, Peru
Mr. Russell, Maybe you don’t remember us, we are the guys who have been in your house in may 1999 … the Peruvian guys. We performed Peruvian music in a Liverpool church. Well we saw some videos about blood brothers in Youtube what’s more we got excited about you then we found your web page. We remember about you and your family, were so friendly … thank you a lot for everything. Thanks Mister Russell to give us the opportunity to see you excellent creation “Blood Brothers” in London. Nowadays, we work performing music at the Lima airport in Peru. We enjoy everything about music. You can check our web page if you like …
<www.illayandinoperu.com> We would like to interchange some music. We know that you are a really important person around the world. Please let us know a bit more about your work and to improve our knowledge. Thank you for your time and please give our regards to everybody. Yours Faithfully. PS. Our English is not good, sorry!

Harry Silverman - UK
Im in year 10 and im reading the play for my coursework, I would like to know, what happened to Linda, Mrs.Lyons and The Mother after she shot the "blood brothers"?

Royston - UK
I have seen blood brothers several times now and can not believe how majestically Lyn Paul plays the part of Mrs Johnston, Mr Russell who has the power to arrange a new CD of the latest cast, coincidentially that happens to be Lyn Paul. I think its about time dont you?

Liz Holland - UK
Hey, I’m doing a monologue segment from your play Shirley valentine for my year ten assessment piece. I just wanted to say I really enjoyed the play and this website was quite useful. So thank you. I really love your plays.

Pauline Byrne - Liverpool
Hi Willy, For my 50th Birthday in 2006, my sister-in-law Martha was working in your friends flower shop, and knowing that I am a very big fan of yours, she asked your friend if it would be possible for you to sign something for me. I think it was the next day that your car pulled up outside and my sister-in-law was so shocked to see you entering the shop with a copy of your CD "Hoovering the Moon" and a card wishing me all the best for my significant birthday. It certainly was the icing on the cake of my 50th. Best Wishes

Christina - Liverpool
I have seen Blood Brothers twice once in London and then in my home town of Liverpool. This show is quite poignant for me personally as I, like the twins in the show, was born in Liverpool together with my twin sister but we were put in Browlow Hill orphanage where my sister was adopted when we were five weeks old and I was left. Apparently I fretted a lot for my twin but then two years later I was adopted by the most wonderful parents anybody could wish to have. My mum told me that for each birthday and Christmas, I used to want a fariy wand so that I could wave it and get my greatest wish - a twin sister. I had a total fascination for twins when I passed my scholarship and went to Grammar school, on my first day mum asked all about the class I was in and all wanted to talk about was the fact that there were two sets of twins in my class (mum said later that she thought "little does she know there are three sets of twins") I only found out about my twin sister when I was 15 and merely because I wanted to see my birth certificate which was stamped ADOPTED birth certificate. I eventually traced my sister who lived in Bollington, Cheshire

Jane Williams - Liverpool
I went to see Stags and Hens last week with my sister at the Royal Court, Liverpool. We both cried with laughter. Willy was there and we were absolutely dumb struck. My sister is a drama teacher and she studied Willy's work throughout college and now teaches it. She was so star struck she could not move and she will talk to anyone! The play was fantastic and I would love Dancin Through the Dark to be released onto DVD. This guy is a legend, one of Liverpool's finest.

Paul Willis - Ireland
Have been this weekend to see the Saturday matinee of The Blood Brothers" - Absolutely fantastic" The acting & singing was superb by all the cast. We were enthralled for the entire performance. The 4 standing ovations suggested I was not on my own. Yours in anticipation of a revisit.

Grainne - Ireland
Hi. My name is grainne (grace in english) I come from Dublin, Ireland and I'm 16 years old. Last year for our 4th year variety show we learned Marilyn Monroe and Tell me it's not true. Myself and my friends immediately fell in love with Blood Brothers! I hope to go and see it next month in the Gaeity Theatre in Dublin along with my sister who loved the blood brothers songs when she came to the variety show. Thank you for introducing me to another musical. Slan leat.

Laura - Liverpool
Please Please re-release Dancin Thru the Dark dvd and the soundtrack to go with it!!!!

Rachel Pattenden - Liverpool
We went to see Stag’s and Hen’s in Liverpool last night and it was absolutely fabulous! It was funny, witty and a great evening out! The actors made the play and the woman who played the bride was fantastic. She played the part wonderfully! A must see!

Susan Stafford - UK
Please release Dancin Thru The Dark on DVD. Ive searched the web and found it is available in USA but of course that is the wrong region. If it is available there why is it not available here, the yanks probably wont understand it anyway. Surely with the amount of requests on this guestbook alone it clearly shows that it is in high demand and will be a good seller.

Jessica Benton - Italy
Dear Willy, I'm the owner of a small - small - small bookstore in northern Italy. i'm reading "The wrong boy" and i must tell you it's absolutely one of the best books ever. really. i still don't know how it's gonna end up but can't wait. and there's a collateral effect - i can only listen to the smiths in the meanwhile! just to tell,i really adore Twinky, since the first time he shows up through the pages. i will surely tell all my customers to buy your book because it's really worth having. Greetings and a big hug. and forgive me for my approssimative use of english language.i can assure you my italian is much better. Love, Bea.

Duncan Ryan - Scotland
Dear Mr Russell, I am sorry to inform you that there is a glitch in your otherwise flawless play “Terraces.” In scene 14 near the end “Joey” talking about Danny’s house, says “we’ll even paint it back to normal when the final’s over.” In the TV programme, however, the houses are stone, so how can you paint it back to stone ? This is why I’m confused ? I am Ryan Duncan, a pupil of Forres Academy (in the North of Scotland). If you could answer my query I would be much obliged.

Vicky Hayter - Chichester
Willy Russell you are my saviour. After rediscovering Educating Rita several years after leaving school you made me realise that I could change my less than perfect life and achieve anything I want. You rescued my soul. I now live life knowing that there is a world out there for everyone but you must be brave enough to go and explore it. After changing things and learning to go out and do the things I want to do, I met my husband to be (we're getting married on 8th March 2008). Thank you for that, he's the the most amazing person and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I'm now set to embark on a career change and at the age of 30 will be returning to college in September. I'm at last able to look to the future. I would also like to express my gratitude for the wonderful Blood Brothers. I have seen it 15 times since 2001 and intend to see it again on many more occasions. It would be a huge tragedy to British theatre if this show ever closes. Many thanks for all your fantastic work which I hope will be continued and recognised for many more years.

Allan Steven, London
Reading Steve Williams' post about Edinburgh was a pleasure. I was also a member of the company, as an actor. Willy, Ray and I were the male members of our year's Drama course, and other males and females were recruited to make up 'Cateysaints'. Memories of those fantastic two weeks are still with me. One day we filtered ourselves into Princes' Street Gardens with each individual having a letter of the alphabet pinned to their back. We casually lay down, side-by-side, to sunbathe, and looking down from Princes' St. it read - BLIND SCOUSE. We were moved on abruptly for advertising where we shouldn't. A couple of days later we went to see a one man show called JOCK starring Russell Hunter (Lonely from the tv series Callan for those of you old enough to remember). Before the show he spotted our t-shirts and exclaimed, " You're the bastards." We then had a very friendly conversation where he explained that we'd interrupted a tv interview he was doing with our advertising stunt. Two other brief memories. Willy had a nosebleed that wouldn't stop and he had to have it cauterised - ouch! And the final night. We struck the set and cleared out of the Rifle Lodge to join others at George's for the party. Someone who shall remain nameless - Dave - handed me a pint that was 50% vodka. Don't recall much else.

Megan Dennis - Liverpool
Hello, I would just like to say I went to see Blood Brothers at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool and it was absolutely amazing, I cried my heart out. Is it ever going to be put out on DVD? Well Done to all the cast. xx

Iain Condie - Glasgow
Please please release Dancing through the dark !!!!!

Debby Wood - Liverpool
I didnt actually realise Willy Russell had done all the things he has, I have seen only a few of them but am going to see Blood Brothers on 07/01/08 and was already looking forward to it but am now more looking to it after reading all the comments. I LOVE DANCING THRU THE DARK PLEASE RE-RELEASE IT ASAP, I WILL GLADLY PAY FULL PRICE rather than downloading from internet.

Archive guestbook entries - coming soon...