* His working-class background: Growing up in a poor family in Liverpool, Russell saw firsthand the struggles and joys of everyday life. He was drawn to the stories of ordinary people and their experiences, which he later incorporated into his plays.
* His passion for music and theater: As a young man, Russell was deeply involved in the music and theater scene in Liverpool. He played guitar and wrote songs, and he also became involved in amateur theater productions. This early exposure to the arts ignited a passion for storytelling and performance that he would later channel into his writing.
* His social consciousness: Russell was keenly aware of the social and political issues of his time, particularly the struggles of the working class. His plays often explored themes of class, poverty, and inequality, challenging audiences to confront these issues and to think critically about the world around them.
* The influence of other playwrights: Russell was inspired by the work of other playwrights, particularly those who focused on social realism, such as John Osborne, Arnold Wesker, and Alan Sillitoe. Their work showed him the power of theater to reflect and comment on the realities of everyday life.
* His desire to give a voice to the voiceless: Russell believed that working-class people were often marginalized and unheard. He wanted to use his writing to give a voice to these people and to tell their stories with authenticity and compassion.
These influences combined to shape Willy Russell's unique style of writing, which is characterized by its humor, humanity, and social conscience. His plays have resonated with audiences worldwide, offering a poignant and powerful glimpse into the lives of ordinary people and the challenges they face.