A live music celebration of the extraordinary life of rock ‘n’ roll pioneer and Dr Feelgood co-founder Wilko Johnson.
The true story of Wilko Johnson, Dr Feelgood co-founder and rock ‘n’ roll pioneer, comes to the central London stage, Spring 2025. Bringing to life his words and music, Jonathan Maitland’s (The Interview, An Audience With Jimmy Saville) biographic gig theatre Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll is a tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on the music scene.
A name that resonates with rock music enthusiasts and beyond, Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and co-founder of legendary band Dr Feelgood, was told he had one year to live in 2012. 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… until a miracle happened. Delving deep into the life and times of this rock ‘n’ roll maverick, from his time with Dr Feelgood and Ian Dury and the Blockheads as one of the godfathers of the punk movement, to his acting career in Game of Thrones, 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.
Since its record-breaking run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, the play has undergone further development and will feature new scenes and new music from Wilko’s back catalogue. Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll transfers to London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough from 20th March – 19th April 2025.
Writer Jonathan 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 Saturday 22nd March 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 including “the photo that saved Wilko’s life” taken at his farewell Camden gig in 2013 which resulted in Wilko getting a second opinion on his terminal diagnosis. Additionally, there will also be a post-show Q&A featuring special guests to be announced.
A stonking star turn… Johnson Willis is wonderful” The Guardian
“Brilliant” The Spectator
Listings information
Southwark Playhouse Borough: 20 March - 19 April 2025
77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD
Mon – Sat 7pm, Tues & Sat 2:30pm
£28.00 - £22.50 (concs), Previews 20 – 22 £16.00 - £10.00
Tickets: Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'N' Roll
Further Information: www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk