Wilko Does It Right
Following a successful run of shows at Southwark Playhouse, Jonathan Maitland’s nostalgia-fuelled celebration of Wilko Johnson makes its way to the West End. Dubbed not a musical but a ‘play with music’, Love and Death and Rock ‘N’ Roll is a fun trip down memory lane for Wilko and Dr. Feelgood fans, writes Jake Millicheap.
The play begins in hospital as Wilko (Johnson Willis) is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and told he has less than a year to live. Far from daunted by this diagnosis, he is reinvigorated with a sense of ecstasy and feels more alive than ever. His mind then drifts back to his youth, uncovering a troubled relationship with his father and initial meeting with future wife Irene (Georgia Fairbanks). A talented guitarist and wordsmith, Wilko’s dream of forming a band is realised when he meets Lee Brilleaux (Jon House), Sparko (Georgina Field) and Big Figure (David John), who together become Dr. Feelgood.
Johnson Willis is perfect for the role of Wilko (not least due to his name), doing well to capture his unique Essex drawl and captivating stage persona. With only five cast members, the actors switch between characters brilliantly, doubling up as Wilko’s parents, Irene’s parents, medical staff, teachers and journalists when needed.
At times feeling like half-play, half-gig, the cast are able to pull this off through their impressive musicianship, reeling through Dr. Feelgood classics like ‘She Does It Right’ and ‘All Through The City’ with ease. Willis nails Wilko’s signature choppy guitar technique, using his Telecaster as a machine gun and aiming it at the audience. Jon House also shines as
prowling frontman Lee Brilleaux, treating the audience to some great blues harmonica solos.
The second act sees Wilko living with his diagnosis and is filled with philosophical monologues about mortality and spirituality. A dream-like sequence at the doctor’s sees Wilko reunite with Dr. Feelgood once again, and the performance concludes with some more songs from the band. Wilko’s son, Simon Johnson (Eight Rounds Rapid) and legendary bassist Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury and the Blockheads, the Wilko Johnson Band) join the cast members on stage for a couple of numbers, resulting in a genuinely moving end to the night.
Starting a new run at Leicester Square Theatre, the production wasn’t without its teething issues, a lighting fault causing the play to briefly stop midway through the first half. This was quickly rectified, however, and resulted in one of the biggest pops of the night – Willis remarking ‘we normally play shitty places like this, where the lighting doesn’t work’, midway through a monologue about Dr. Feelgood’s legacy.
Perhaps worth seeing more for the music than its retelling of Wilko’s story, this is nevertheless an entertaining watch, particularly for fans of Wilko and Dr. Feelgood.
Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, WC2H 7BX until 27th April
Booking and full details: www.leicestersquaretheatre.com – 020 7734 222
