REVIEW: Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll at the Everyman Theatre

Cheltenham

"There’s nothing like being told you’re dying to make you feel alive"

Written by Jonathan Maitland and directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll is a play with live music which tells the story of Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood.

Formed in 1971, the band from Canvey Island had a sound that was distinctive thanks to Wilko’s choppy guitar playing. Other members of the band included Lee Brilleaux (vocals), Sparko (rhythm) and ‘The Big Figure’ (drums). It is these characters that are key to the uplifting story of Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

 

“Then I float on down the street – Smiling at the faces that I meet”

Having received critical acclaim in 2023 at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, this live music punctuated production is currently at the Everyman Theatre until the 9th August. Starting from Wilko’s childhood the story moves quickly though his life and the development of his career in Rock and Roll. The story telling is beautifully aided by lighting, sound and set design which was of the time and used in a subtle manner, allowing the cast to really express the scenes in their primary roles, while playing others.

The star cast sees the return of the talented Johnson Willis as Wilko, who put his utmost into portraying the eccentricity of Wilko’s speech, as well as his jerky movements and machine-gun guitar style.
Alongside him Georgina Fairbanks took on the warmth and enthusiastic Irene (Wilko’s wife), Jon House vocalised the essence of Brilleaux and his harmonica, Georgina Field struck a chord on the bass as Sparko and smashed it on the saxophone and David John thumped out the energy of The Big Figure.
Each actor was excellently suited to their roles, interpreting their characters with amazing skill, filling the stage with life and energy. The musicianship was also exceptional and is sure to provide any music lover with a great night, with hits Roxette, She Does it Right, Riot in Cell Block Number Nine and All Through the City.

 

“I wanna live the way I like”

Anyone that can get over to the Everyman is in for a treat! And also, is going to be delighted with the bonus of seeing special guests. Tonight, we had the honour of Norman Watt-Roy’s (Ian Dury and the Blockheads, the Wilko Johnson Band) and Wilko's son Simon Johnson’s (Eight Round Rapid) musicianship, as well as a post-show Q&A with Denise Silvey (producer), Simon, Norman and Charlie Chan (Cheltenham based oncologist). The Q&As gave a real insight into life on the road and how Wilko was more teacher than Rock star at home, often putting down his guitar in favour of a book. The three also commented on how often they’d seen the show and observed that the actors that had been cast did an impeccable job of portraying the band.

 

 

The rest of the week is going to be equally fantastic, with:

• Blues legends Keith Thompson, Mark Cole and Stuart Earl on Wednesday;
• James Oliver, Mark Kemlo and Norman Watt-Roy or Spike and Luke Morley on Thursday;
• Keith Allen and Nick Reynolds on Friday; and
• Matty James Cassidy and Mike 'Gaff' Gaffney on Saturday.

I would say that even if you don’t know Dr Feelgood, get down to the Everyman and enjoy something different – A play with live music and a tale that has a good measure of humour, reflection, blues, and Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll is playing at the Everyman Theatre until Saturday 9th August 2025.

Review by Julia

 

For More Information & Tickets Click HERE

 

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