Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll - Review

Review by Mark

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

When Wilko Johnson was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012 and given a year to live, the iconic Dr Feelgood guitarist famously opted out of chemotherapy, choosing instead to embark on a farewell tour and live every remaining moment to the absolute fullest. What followed—both his defiant approach to mortality and his eventual, astonishing survival—is the stuff of rock lore.

Johnson Willis and Lara Lemon. Photo by Stuart Purfield.

Brought vividly to the stage, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll captures the gritty spirit, fierce independence, and unmistakable electricity of its subject. Transitioning seamlessly from its celebrated runs at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Southwark Playhouse, and London’s West End, the production arrives at Royal & Derngate in Northampton with all its ferocious momentum intact.

Jonathan Maitland's play with music bursts to life with the integration of live music numbers. These capture Wilko's trademark machine-gun guitar style and the driving rhythm and blues that made Dr Feelgood a legendary force. But beyond the swagger and the high-octane chords, the play strikes a surprisingly poignant emotional chord. It balances the high-stakes drama of mortality with warmth, humour, and a celebration of a remarkably lived life.

Johnson Willis delivers a standout performance, capturing the eccentric energy, mannerisms, and distinct speech patterns of Wilko Johnson with remarkable precision. Willis commands the stage with a powerful presence, brilliantly balancing the rock icon’s swagger and signature style of percussive guitar playing with the introspective, poetic soul of an English degree holder who quoted Shakespeare and Wordsworth. He expertly navigates the emotional arc of the character, conveying the poignant grief over the loss of Wilko’s wife Irene alongside the defiant, stoic humour with which he embraced his terminal diagnosis. Willis does not merely imitate the legendary Dr Feelgood guitarist; he fully inhabits his spirit, grounding the entire play in a captivating and deeply human performance.

Jon House brings grit and vocal powerhouse energy to Lee Brilleaux, Dr Feelgood’s co-founder and frontman. He expertly navigates the volatile, love-hate brotherhood between Brilleaux and Wilko, blasting out raw, raspy vocals and scorching harmonica solos that electrify the room. Georgina Field brings an infectious live-wire energy to the stage, performing as Dr Feelgood bassist John B. "Sparko" Sparks while multitasking as Wilko's mother and various fans. Providing the literal beat of the show, David John tackles the role of Dr Feelgood drummer John "The Big Figure" Martin. Sitting behind the kit for the live musical sequences, his steady rhythm and grounded stage presence provide the crucial drive that converts the play into a full-throttle R&B gig during its peak moments.

The cast of Wilko. Photo by Stuart Purfield.

Lara Lemon is tremendous as Wilko’s devoted wife, Irene. Lemon portrays Irene with sweet affection and formidable inner strength, acting as the emotional anchor who grounds Wilko through his chaotic lifestyle, infidelities, and self-destruction. Lemon effortlessly shifts across multiple supporting roles throughout the play, matching the ensemble's high-energy theatricality.

Captivating, life-affirming, and effortlessly cool—Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll is a fitting celebration of an icon who looked death in the eye, strapped on a Telecaster, and played as hard as he could. For Dr Feelgood fans and newcomers alike, it stands as a fiery reminder to live every single moment to the absolute loudest.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll runs at Royal and Derngate in Northampton until Wednesday 4th November 2026. For tickets, visit https://royalandderngate.co.uk/whats-on/wilko/

The play then runs at Fareham Live from 5th to 7th November and at the Lowry in Salford from 12th to 14th November 2026. 

Johnson Willis and Lara Lemon. Photo by Stuart Purfield.