Arriving for a 3pm Saturday afternoon performance of ‘Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll’ I eagerly took my seat at the charming Leicester Square Theatre in London. A heady buzz lingered as excited audience members were led into the auditorium. Straight away the impressive set, designed by Nicolai Hart-Hansen, with its aged but charming patterned rugs, bright lights, drums, band posters and guitars in place got everyone talking about what might lay ahead and it certainly looked like it would involve live music. Many audience members may have already known much about its leading man’s life, and were there to learn even more about the story of the renowned English guitarist, singer, songwriter and occasional actor Wilko Johnson. Johnson was a member of the pub rock band ‘Dr. Feelgood’ in the 1970’s, hailing from Canvey Island in Essex. Johnson was known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which was created not by using a plectrum but playing finger-style. This play with music tells the story of Johnson’s humble beginnings on Canvey Island to finding fame, his tragic cancer diagnoses, and a miracle journey leading ultimately to his final ending.
One thing I noticed is the sharing of names involved in this production and its history. I listened to the telling of the story of all the John’s in the initial ‘Dr. Feelgood’ band line up, John Wilkinson (“Wilko”), John B. Sparks (“Sparko”) and John Martin (“The Big Figure”). We have the two main actresses in this cast of five named Georgina and the character Wilko Johnson is played by leading actor Johnson Willis! I found a little serendipity in appreciating all the links with names. Back to Willis, the actor I must add, who played Wilko, his performance was full of the nuances that only those who have really studied Wilko would know. I sensed his eagerness to get it right and give an authentic performance. So I did a little Wilko research and he was pretty bang on! Willis’s guitar skills were on point too, with an energy that was enthusiastic and energetic. He also added just the right amount of zaniness. I appreciated some of the more self-centred aspects to Wilko’s personality, his sense of me, me, me and oft need for control. I also saw how he re-evaluated himself and shone a light more on his perceived flaws after he was given a new lease of life. Would I have liked even a little more vulnerability, some deeper, softer moments of what was really going on for Wilko during the nuclear episodes in his life? Perhaps. I did find myself feeling emotional when his character was given his diagnoses of pancreatic cancer, maybe it’s my own experience of having had a loved one with pancreatic cancer, a cruel disease, and who like Wilko endured a long operation. Into the double figures long. It was those moments I felt for Wilko and what he thought his life might be like when he knew it was limited and where he also opted for no chemo. However, unlike my loved one, Wilko got his miracle, more time on this earth due to a revelation that his cancer was not as aggressive as first thought and treatable. I found this aspect of the story inspirational, hopeful and heartwarming. I saw Wilko’s determination to really live his life through actor Willis. It’s not lost on me the energy he needs to keep up this level of performance, night after night, well done!
The cast of five including Willis, is also Jon House, Georgina Fairbanks, David John and Georgina Field and they all deserve their own praise. A slick company who apart from Willis all play other roles. They gel and work together really well. Particular mention to Jon House who plays the character Lee Brilleaux (and other roles) and whose live singing was just amazing! I can fully understand why House also has 2 solo albums released. At times he gave off the actor Robert Lindsay vibes to me, (perhaps a similar look) and was charismatic in his role, he really has a great stage presence. Quite nimble too! Georgina Fairbanks gave a very layered and natural performance as wife of Wilko, Irene Knight and delivered a faultless performance. The quick dress change impressive too! The live music aspect proved all the cast have musical talent and prowess and was brilliant to witness. The audience lapping up songs such as “She Does It Right” and “All Through The City” with Act 2 bringing us “Jonny B. Goode” and “Roxette”.
A wonderful addition to this show is the bringing on of guest performers and in my case watching this show, it was at the end of the curtain call when the guest performer came on. There is a line-up of which guest (more to be announced soon) performers will be appearing at each show and for this afternoons performance, the audience were delighted to be introduced to actor and comedian Kevin Eldon who treated us to a brilliant singing performance of “Going Back Home” - it was thrilling to watch this final song in action! A highlight of the performance was briefly meeting the writer Jonathan Maitland afterwards and whose writing felt gritty, witty, raw and with an edge of vulnerability - he has to be commended for bringing the story of Wilko to life. A performance to me is only as good as its writing, its foundation and I believe Maitland hit the mark just right.
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll really drew me in, a high energy, music filled, gritty and interesting story that touches on life, love, relationships, and I took away with it that it’s not how long we have left on this Earth but what we do with that time that truly counts.
Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll can be seen at the Leicester Square Theatre London until July 27th
Reviewer: Mary Fogg
On : July 5th 2025
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