Wilko: Love and Death and Rock n' Roll
The soundtrack as we enter the house immediately settles us into the 1970s era of rock, as the punk rock scene began to emerge.
Jonathan Maitland’s ‘play with music’ (or in Wilko’s words an ‘illustrated monologue’!) perfectly captures the anarchic era where personalities and identities are everything. The play is a musical biography of John Wilkinson, known better by his rock alter-ego Wilko Johnson who starts out in a skiffle band, busking outside of a nightclub. He goes on to be a founder member and fellow front man of the 70s band Dr Feelgood, credited with inventing punk rock.
The play is set in Wilko’s hometown of Canvey Island, Essex and the Essex references are aplenty. Having grown up in neighbouring Basildon, I appreciate the accuracy with which the Essex gallows humour is offered. The best line by far is attributed to Wilko’s mother who believes Kent to be much posher than Essex. “She called Kent the ‘Garden of England’ while Essex was the patio!”
The arc of the story begins with his terminal diagnosis of cancer, and then moves back and forward through time with Wilko as the narrator. Wilko is brought to life by Johnson Willis who invites us beautifully into Wilko’s world. He captures the depths of this character beautifully, ranging from slightly unhinged, to philosophical, to endearing, to humorous to vulnerable. His mannerisms and slight awkwardness bring the back story to life, as someone who was written off by his father, overlooked academically, because of his Essex accent, but wasn’t having any of it. He went on to gain a degree in and to teach English Literature. He was, however, sacked for not following the conventions of the school – how very rock and roll!
The supporting cast is just as strong. Georgina Fairbanks plays Wilko’s mews and later wife, Irene. Her character grows through the piece as she deals with Wilko’s frank and challenging behaviour. He has an affair, falls in love with someone and tells Irene, stating ‘I thought you’d be pleased; I was being honest!’ Georgina Field shows her diversity in a number of roles, not least of all as the bassist of the band. I cannot keep my eyes off her in this guise as she struts backwards and forwards with laser focus on the audience!
Completing the front line of the band on vocals and harmonica is Jon House, whose presence on stage as Lee Brilleaux (the posh spelling of Brillo – as in Brillo pad!) is commanding. His vocals are solid and his skills on the mouth organ astounding. Completing the back line is the solid reliability of David John who brings the drumming skills of Big Figure to life perfectly.
The other four actors portray a range of parts in addition, and each is rounded and enables the story-telling with skill.
The set is simple, some rugs scattered as though carpeting a music studio, with the instruments always on stage, reminding us that rock ‘n’ roll is the bedrock of all their lives and the one thing they all have in common.
All aspects of this production are noteworthy; the musical direction, the lighting plot, the set and direction. They all help to invite us into the world of the 70s rock scene – warts and all!
This is a rock solid show and definitely worth a couple of hours of your life.
This show was reviewed on the 24th March 2025 at the Southwark Playhouse Borough, London where it runs until the 19th April 2025. Tickets available here: Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'N' Roll - Southwark Playhouse
Review written by Ian Worsfold
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Photo credit: Mark Sepple
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