Review: WILKO: LOVE AND DEATH AND ROCK’N’ROLL, Southwark Playhouse Borough
In rock’n’roll, there is no doubt who garners the most attention. The pianist will soften the sound whilst the bassist and drummer set the rhythm. But the guitarist sits on top stealing the honours with the coolest of licks and spine tingling solos. The self-styled axe men attract fame like a magnet. But others seem to fly under the radar with recognition often confined to fellow musicians or hard-core fans. Wilko Johnson undoubtedly falls into this category. A darling of the pub rock movement and punk inspiration that glows from his CV. Johnson had a unique persona and guitar playing style that clearly identified him. Johnson Willis now takes on the role of Wilko in a play of his life story at the Southwark Playhouse.
The story begins in 2013 as Wilko (Johnson Willis) receives a devastating diagnosis. He has pancreatic cancer and less than a year to live. A flashback reveals his troubled childhood and first meeting with future wife Irene (Georgina Fairbanks). His dream of forming a band is realised when he hooks up with Lee Brilleaux (Jon House), Sparko (Georgina Field) and Big Figure (David John). The legend of Dr Feelgood is up and running. But egos can outgrow any band as Wilko and Lee soon lock horns. It seems the chemistry that first brought them together now threatens to tear them apart.
Jonathan Maitland's script delivers a sensitive and thoughtful portrayal of Wilko and gets the best from Johnson Willis in the title role. The cast provide admirable support in a number of different roles. Jon House, in particular, attacks the role of Lee Brilleaux with relish, and plays harmonica in the style of a great bluesman. However, the feeling nags that too few songs are featured to make this a fully rounded story. We learn plenty about Wilko the man, his feelings, relationships and outlook on life. But it needs more than three songs performed either side of the interval. ‘She Does It Right’, a Wilko song that appeared on the first Dr Feelgood album, is well received but perhaps highlights why they are used so sparingly. Lee Brilleaux was the band's frontman, so naturally took centre stage which reduced Wilko to a band member. Consequently, we saw too little of his raison d'etre as a guitarist.
Overall, the production shines a light on one of the great personalities of British music, and for that alone deserves much credit.
***Three stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
