Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n’ Roll

In 2012, Wilko Johnson, the iconic rock star and founder of legendary Essex band Dr Feelgood, was told he had inoperable cancer and a year to live. 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.



Then, a miracle happened…



A mixture of words, rock ‘n roll, and quotes from the man himself, Wilko: Love and Death and Rock ‘n Roll tells the amazing, uplifting true story of Wilko, the Canvey Island legend. A play with live music, transferring to Southwark Playhouse Borough following critical and audience acclaim in its initial run at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in 2023.



“A stonking star turn… Johnson Willis is wonderful” The Guardian



“Fond and funny” Daily Mail



“Brilliant” The Spectator