Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ’n’ Roll at the New Wolsey Theatre ★★★

The cast of Wilko. Photo by Stuart Purfield

There is an irresistible story at the heart of Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ’n’ Roll. Dr Feelgood guitarist Wilko Johnson was given a terminal cancer diagnosis and, rather than retreating from life, responded by embracing it; only for the diagnosis itself to take an extraordinary turn. Jonathan Maitland’s biographical play has all the ingredients for a fascinating portrait, but too often skims the surface of its remarkable subject.

Johnson Willis throws himself into the title role, capturing Wilko’s clipped delivery, eccentric physicality and distinctive stage presence. It is an energetic and frequently very funny performance, although at times the characterisation veers towards caricature. Across a story spanning decades, there is also sometimes too little differentiation between the young man discovering music and the older Wilko confronting mortality.

The strongest material arrives when the production slows down. Wilko’s reflections on travel, love and death offer glimpses of the thoughtful man behind the eccentric guitarist, while his relationship with wife Irene, played by Lara Lemon, gives the story its emotional centre. Yet significant moments within their marriage arrive and disappear quickly, leaving potentially complicated territory frustratingly unexplored.

There is plenty of humour throughout, and the ensemble embraces the production’s more playful theatricality.

Musically, however, the production truly comes alive. Willis, Jon House, Georgina Field and David John recreate Dr Feelgood’s uncompromising rhythm-and-blues sound with infectious enthusiasm. House is particularly impressive, with incredible harmonica playing and deft shifts between several supporting roles. The songs provide the evening’s biggest rushes of energy, momentarily transforming Nicolai Hart-Hansen’s rehearsal-room set into a sweaty rock gig.

James Stokes’ lighting also gives the production some of its most memorable imagery, particularly as Wilko’s illness takes centre stage.

There is clearly enormous affection for Johnson throughout, and newcomers may leave wanting to discover more about him. That is both the production’s achievement and its limitation. The music convincingly demonstrates why Wilko Johnson mattered; the drama never quite digs deeply enough into who he was.

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ’n’ Roll runs at the New Wolsey Theatre until 3 October 2026.