Wilko: Love and Death and Rock and Roll, written by Jonathan Maitland, will embark on its first national tour from 9 September to 14 November following successful runs at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Southwark Playhouse and Leicester Square Theatre.
The production tells the remarkable true story of Dr Feelgood co-founder Wilko Johnson, who in 2012 was given a terminal diagnosis and chose to spend his remaining time on a farewell tour, only for his life to take an unexpected turn.
Blending live music with storytelling and drawing on Wilko’s own words, the show explores his influence on the punk movement and a career that spanned music and acting, including a role in Game of Thrones.
Audiences can also expect special guest appearances from figures in the rock world, with previous guests including Norman Watt-Roy, Billy Bragg, John Cooper Clarke and Chris Difford.
Johnson Willis takes on the role of Wilko Johnson, bringing his own experience as a musician and actor to the performance.
Writer Jonathan Maitland said, “Wilko’s is one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll stories ever told and his songs are some of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll ever recorded. Even so, when I first read the play to him at his home in Southend five years ago, none of us could have imagined how much his story would go on to connect with audiences. My only regret is that he’s not around to see this tour happen but I know, for sure, that he would have been absolutely thrilled.”
Wilko Johnson, born in Canvey Island, co-founded Dr Feelgood in 1971 and became known for his distinctive guitar style and electrifying performances, influencing generations of musicians.
The play arrives as the band’s debut album Down by the Jetty marks its 50th anniversary, a record widely credited with shaping the sound of punk and inspiring artists from Paul Weller to the Ramones.
Directed by Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, the creative team also includes designer Nicolai Hart-Hansen, lighting designer James Stokes and composer and musical director Simon Slater.
The tour will visit venues across the UK including Coventry, York, Durham, Malvern, Ipswich, Windsor, Southend, Shrewsbury, Worthing, Northampton, Fareham and Salford.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
