Wilko: Love, Death and Rock 'n' Roll
Jonathan Maitland
Cahoots
Lowry, Salford
November 12-14, 2026; 2hrs
Jonathan Maitland's Wilko: Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll portrays the remarkable story of Dr Feelgood guitarist, punk rock star and later actor Wilko Johnson, who when diagnosed with cancer refused to let it rule, or ruin, his life, and enjoyed a miraculous recovery way beyond the estimations of his doctors - "nine months to live" in 2013, turned into a vibrant late career until his death in 2022.
This version shows us a flawed individual, influential and charismatic, a juxtaposition of high art and street-level humour, proud of his heritage and his legacy.
Mainly situated in Canvey Island, the audience is taken round the world, to the heavens and beyond the stars as Johnson Willis narrates, and shows the audience Wilko's life, loves and heart.
The narrative, at times disjointed, is interspersed with live music, which looks a bit like a pub tribute band, and ironically only really takes off during the ‘encore’, after the bows.
But there is plenty to engage and entertain the audience, with skilful sound and lighting that shifts places and moods. There are plenty of Dr Feelgood, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, and of course Wilko tunes, among some covers, mixed with comedy and some very poignant and touching moments.
Nostalgia and musical references arrive in abundance and there is plenty to admire and contemplate. The key messages are "live for the moment" and "live life to the full - as our protagonist clearly did, often to excess and beyond.
But it feels at times that we are witnessing a larger-than-life character interacting with many caricatured individuals. Luckily, Lara Lemon, as his wife Irene, gives the play much-needed substance and grounding, while Jon House, in his many varied roles (especially Lee Brilleaux), expertly demonstrates his versatility.
The glue to it all is the central performance of Johnson Willis who is engaging and charismatic, and often talks poetically and intimately to the audience
And as much as with his song He Did It Right, the production doesn’t quite do it right, and it could have entertained more, moved us more and shown us his darker side more, while still demonstrating what a complex character - and inspiration - he was.
More info and tickets here
