Waiting to enter the auditorium with an excited crowd of obvious Dr. Feelgood fans. There was a delay but, oddly enough, it seemed to have added an extra layer of mystery to the upcoming performance.Was this what it had been like in their heyday? That uncertainty, not quite knowing what was going to happen next? The waiting became part of the event itself. The crowd started creating its own narrative, and when the house lights finally went down, the release of all that anticipation made Wilko's entrance feel even more dramatic. Either that, or we were all just becoming increasingly inventive while standing around. Letting our imaginations run wild.
What followed was a powerful and deeply moving production celebrating the life, music, and remarkable resilience of Wilko Johnson. Through a skilful blend of live music, humour, and drama, the show charted the extraordinary story of the Dr. Feelgood founder, whose unique guitar style helped define pub rock and left a lasting influence on generations of musicians.
What impressed me most was that it never slipped into being a dry monologue. Instead, it captured the energy, chaos, wit and determination that defined Wilko's life and career. The music was performed with real passion, the humour landed naturally, and the emotional moments were allowed to speak for themselves without ever feeling overplayed.This wasn't just a show about a musician. It felt like a celebration of resilience, creativity and the sheer stubbornness of a man who refused to be defined by terminal cancer.
I thought the performance captured his larger-than-life personality exceptionally well. However, I did hear the occasional comment from devoted fans who felt they would have liked more intensity from the actor portraying him. Listening to them, accidentally on purpose, I couldn't help thinking that what they really wanted was not a stronger performance, but the impossible. They were so desperate to have him back that they longed to believe it was truly him on that stage.I found that deeply sad.
The actor portraying Johnson delivered an energetic and charismatic performance, capturing both his eccentric charm and relentless passion for music. He didn't do the famous 'duck walk' I heard them say. Why? I can't answer that I'm afraid. Sorry.
Jon House, who played Lee Brilleaux, was phenomenal. Together with a cast of just five performers, he helped keep the audience completely captivated from start to finish. Bravo!!!
The live music was undoubtedly one of the production's greatest strengths. The band performed many of Wilko's best-known songs with enthusiasm and skill, with Jon House recreating the raw energy and excitement that made Dr. Feelgood such a significant force in British rock music. The musical numbers blended seamlessly with the storytelling, ensuring that the pace remained engaging throughout.
What made the play particularly compelling was its emotional depth. Beyond celebrating Johnson's musical achievements, the production explored his terminal cancer diagnosis and the extraordinary way he responded to it.I must say, I gasped at a few scenes. I couldn't help myself. That's the power of great theatre. It draws you in, and I got completely drawn in!l
The show highlighted Wilko's determination to squeeze every last drop out of life, creating moments that were uplifting, poignant, and genuinely moving. Heads were bobbing, feet were tapping, and hands were clapping. To watch a septuagenarian leap up, out of his seat and dance like nobody was watching was both profound and bloody brilliant to witness.
The staging was simple, uncomplicated. The creative lighting, sound effects, and remarkably, no set changes, carried us through different chapters of Wilko's life while keeping the focus firmly on the performances and music. The balance between concert and drama never faltered.Overall, Wilko Love and Death and Rock 'n' Roll was entertaining, heartfelt, and inspiring. It was a celebration of a unique musician with an extraordinary outlook on life. Packed with outstanding performances, cracking live music, and genuine emotional punch.What more can I say?
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A standing raucous ovation proved this!! -TréTré -WFM RADIO 97.2