REVIEW
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll
Southwark Playhouse (studio)
26 March 2025 (released)
27 March 2025
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll chronicles the life of Wilko Johnson, the influential guitarist and co-founder of Dr. Feelgood. The play, penned by Jonathan Maitland, offers a deep dive into Johnson's journey, from his early days on Canvey Island to his unexpected survival following a terminal cancer diagnosis. Originally debuting at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in early 2024, the production has since been refined, incorporating new scenes and additional music from Johnson's repertoire.
The narrative commences in 2013, with Johnson receiving a dire pancreatic cancer diagnosis, predicting less than a year to live. This prognosis serves as a catalyst for retrospection, guiding the audience through pivotal moments of his life. We witness his formative years, marked by familial challenges and his initial encounter with future wife Irene. The formation and rise of Dr. Feelgood are central to the storyline, highlighting collaborations with bandmates Lee Brilleaux, Sparko, and Big Figure. The play doesn't shy away from internal band tensions, particularly the creative clashes between Johnson and Brilleaux, which ultimately led to Johnson's departure from the group.
Beyond his musical endeavours, the production delves into Johnson's personal life, including his battle with cancer and the subsequent surgery that defied his initial prognosis. Always portrayed with sensitivity, they shed light on his resilience and the profound impact on him.
Johnson Willis as Wilko Johnson is dressed in a black suit throughout and fully embodies Johnson's distinctive stage presence, capturing his intense gaze and idiosyncratic movements. His portrayal balances the guitarist's public bravado with private vulnerabilities.
The rest of the cast deliver commendable performances in a range of roles. Jon House as Lee Brilleaux presents a formidable Brilleaux, exuding charisma and authority. His harmonica skills and vocal delivery pay homage to the original frontman's blues roots and stage presence. Georgina Field as Sparko adeptly handles multiple roles. Her versatility is evident as and her bass performance solid throughout. David John as Big Figure anchors the band's on-stage dynamics, providing a steady rhythmic foundation. Behind every great man there is a great woman and Georgina Fairbanks as Irene Knight offers a nuanced depiction of Irene, highlighting the complexities of her relationship with Johnson amidst the tumult of his career.
The production features a selection of Dr. Feelgood's tracks, including ‘She Does It Right,’ ‘Roxette,’ and ‘Going Back Home.’ These performances are well interspersed throughout the narrative, providing both context, nostalgia and direction, driving the show forwards.
The Southwark Playhouse provides an intimate setting which enhances the immediacy of the story, allowing audiences to connect with the characters' journeys. The minimalist set design, featuring instruments poised for performance, seamlessly transitions between scenes of personal reflection and musical interludes.
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll offers a comprehensive portrayal of Wilko Johnson's multifaceted life. The play balances narrative depth with musical homage, providing audiences with insight into the man behind the music. I’m sure Wilko would have approved.
We also received an unexpected treat in the form of a special after show performance with Norman Watt-Roy (bass player for Ian Dury and the Blockheads), Simon Johnson (Wilko's son and guitarist in Eight Rounds Rapid), Jon House (as Lee Brilleaux on vocals) and David John (as Big Figure on drums). Playing 'Going Back Home,' 'She Does It Right' and '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66'. Check out our video below. Incredible night, highly recommended.
The narrative commences in 2013, with Johnson receiving a dire pancreatic cancer diagnosis, predicting less than a year to live. This prognosis serves as a catalyst for retrospection, guiding the audience through pivotal moments of his life. We witness his formative years, marked by familial challenges and his initial encounter with future wife Irene. The formation and rise of Dr. Feelgood are central to the storyline, highlighting collaborations with bandmates Lee Brilleaux, Sparko, and Big Figure. The play doesn't shy away from internal band tensions, particularly the creative clashes between Johnson and Brilleaux, which ultimately led to Johnson's departure from the group.
Beyond his musical endeavours, the production delves into Johnson's personal life, including his battle with cancer and the subsequent surgery that defied his initial prognosis. Always portrayed with sensitivity, they shed light on his resilience and the profound impact on him.
Johnson Willis as Wilko Johnson is dressed in a black suit throughout and fully embodies Johnson's distinctive stage presence, capturing his intense gaze and idiosyncratic movements. His portrayal balances the guitarist's public bravado with private vulnerabilities.
The rest of the cast deliver commendable performances in a range of roles. Jon House as Lee Brilleaux presents a formidable Brilleaux, exuding charisma and authority. His harmonica skills and vocal delivery pay homage to the original frontman's blues roots and stage presence. Georgina Field as Sparko adeptly handles multiple roles. Her versatility is evident as and her bass performance solid throughout. David John as Big Figure anchors the band's on-stage dynamics, providing a steady rhythmic foundation. Behind every great man there is a great woman and Georgina Fairbanks as Irene Knight offers a nuanced depiction of Irene, highlighting the complexities of her relationship with Johnson amidst the tumult of his career.
The production features a selection of Dr. Feelgood's tracks, including ‘She Does It Right,’ ‘Roxette,’ and ‘Going Back Home.’ These performances are well interspersed throughout the narrative, providing both context, nostalgia and direction, driving the show forwards.
The Southwark Playhouse provides an intimate setting which enhances the immediacy of the story, allowing audiences to connect with the characters' journeys. The minimalist set design, featuring instruments poised for performance, seamlessly transitions between scenes of personal reflection and musical interludes.
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll offers a comprehensive portrayal of Wilko Johnson's multifaceted life. The play balances narrative depth with musical homage, providing audiences with insight into the man behind the music. I’m sure Wilko would have approved.
We also received an unexpected treat in the form of a special after show performance with Norman Watt-Roy (bass player for Ian Dury and the Blockheads), Simon Johnson (Wilko's son and guitarist in Eight Rounds Rapid), Jon House (as Lee Brilleaux on vocals) and David John (as Big Figure on drums). Playing 'Going Back Home,' 'She Does It Right' and '(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66'. Check out our video below. Incredible night, highly recommended.
