Biographic play celebrates life of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Wilko Johnson

The true story of Wilko Johnson, Dr Feelgood co-founder and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, will return to the stage this spring.

Bringing to life his words and music, Jonathan Maitland’s biographic Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll will run at  Southwark Playhouse Borough from March 20 to April 19.

In a tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on the music scene, the play blends live music, storytelling, and words from the Canvey Island legend himself, in a lesson in how to live life to the fullest.

Delving deep into the life of this rock ‘n’ roll maverick, the audience will glimpse moments from Wilko’s time with Dr Feelgood, Ian Dury and the Blockheads as one of the godfathers of the punk movement.

Mr Maitland said: “I have been a huge fan of Wilko and Dr Feelgood since I saw him careering across the stage like a madman in the 70s.

“His music still sounds amazingly fresh and vivid today, as a whole new generation of rock fans are finding out.”

In 2013, Wilko was told he had weeks left to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Refusing all treatment, he decided to spend his last months living meaningfully, seeing the people, places and things which meant most to him during his remarkable life.

But, later tests showed his cancer was not as aggressive as it was previously thought and an operation was offered as a chance to save Wilko’s life.

After undergoing an 11-hour procedure in 2014, the musician was declared cancer-free.

Mr Maitland said: “I first met Wilko during the pandemic when he graciously agreed to let me tell his remarkable story.

“A year later I spent a nerve-wracking day at his house in Southend reading him and his son Simon the first draft, doing all the voices myself.

“His only criticism was that details of his drug taking were wrong. He insisted we put the record straight, and we did, resulting in a scene that got laughs every night.”

Wilko passed away at the age of 75 on November 21, 2022.

Mr Maitland said: “Wilko was brave, funny and brilliant.”

Since its run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll has undergone further development and will feature new scenes and music when it takes to the stage at Southwark Playhouse.

Mr Maitland said:  “If I could have chosen any theatre in Britain for the next stage of our play’s journey it would have been Southwark Playhouse Borough. The venue and the play suit each other perfectly.

“Southwark has the perfect vibe: edgy but charming, down to earth but magical. Just like Wilko.”

A special gala night performance of the show in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust will be held on March 22, where some of Wilko’s original artworks will be sold along with special photographic prints of him taken by cancer specialist and photographer Charlie Chan.

Additionally, there will be a post-show Q&A featuring special guests to be announced.

For listings and tickets, visit:https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/wilko/

Pictured top: Johnson Willis as Wilko at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch (Picture: Mark Sepple)