Willy Russell is a British dramatist, lyricist, and composer whose works delve into themes of identity, ambition, and societal constraints. Through his compelling characters overcoming obstacles, Russell explores the human potential for change and growth. His plays and musicals are characterized by keen observations of everyday life and sharp wit, ensuring their enduring appeal to audiences worldwide. His writing often embodies his philosophy that anyone is capable of transformation, regardless of their circumstances.
One of a series of literature guides for GCSE students, this book focuses on Willie Russell's "Educating Rita". It aims to develop the skills and techniques required for coursework and exams, and also to encourage an exploratory reading of the text under discussion.
Set in the unglamorous restrooms of a shabby Liverpool club, the story unfolds on the eve of a wedding, capturing the comedic chaos and nerves of the occasion. Dave and Linda, each hosting separate parties, remain unaware of each other's presence, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings. The play highlights the absurdity of wedding preparations while exploring themes of love, anxiety, and the social dynamics at play in such a setting.
The extraordinary first novel from the prize-winning and internationally acclaimed playwright and creator of "Shirley Valentine" and" Educating Rita," In Raymond Marks, he brings us another unforgettable character. Raymond Marks is a normal boy, from a normal family, in a normal northern town. His dad left home after falling in love with a five-string banjo; his fun-hating grandma believes she should have married Jean-Paul Sartre: " I could never read his books, but y' could tell from his picture, there was nothing frivolous about Jean-Paul Sartre." Felonious Uncle Jason and appalling Aunty Paula are lusting after the satellite dish; frogs are flattened on Failsworth Boulevard; and Sickening Sonia's being sick in the majestic cathedral of words. Raymond Marks is a normal boy, from a normal family, in a normal northern town. Until, on the banks of the Rochdale Canal, the fly-trapping craze begins and, for Raymond and his ' Mam', nothing will ever be normal again.
Part of the "Modern plays" series aimed at the burgeoning readership of young theatregoers, this title and five others are reissued, representing the range and vitality of the list of 170 titles in print .
'One for the Road' is an almost farcical comedy about one dinner party too many, as Dennis loses patience with domesticity and makes a break for the freedom of the open road. As his anarchic streak reveals itself, what was supposed to be an impeccably middle-class dinner becomes a first-class row about middle age, affairs, and what's locked in the bureau. Russell's hilarious and sharply observed play was first performed at the Lyric Theatre, London in 1987.
This is a fast-moving, perceptive and entertaining work, which is funny yet ultimately tragic. It tells the tale of twin brothers, born into a large working-class family and the consequences of one of them being adopted by a neighbouring middle-class family.
The tale of a boozily burnt-out professor and his newest student - a free-spirited hairdresser who thinks that Macbeth is the guy who runs the local pub.
The Heinemann Plays series offers contemporary drama and classic plays in durable classroom editions. Many have large casts and an equal mix of boy and girl parts. The television play Our Day Out asks what can a group of back-street kids from Liverpool expect from life beyond a rare day out?
A guidebook to the art of public speaking, with an emphasis on the study of elocution and delivery, written by William Russell.