Sir Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats), Norman Watt-Roy (Ian Dury and the Blockheads, the Wilko Johnson band), Steve “West” Weston (The Roger Daltrey band), Dennis Greaves and Mark Feltham (9 Beneath Zero), Sid Griffin (The Lengthy Ryders), Ben Harding (Mindless Issues, Three Colors Purple, Thee Faction), guitarists and singer songwriters John Otway and Wreckless Eric, actor comic Kevin Eldon (Nighty Evening, Sport of Thrones), competition rock legends The Informers, cult rockabilly guitarist James Oliver and Wilko’s son Simon Johnson, guitarist with punk blues band Eight Rounds Fast, will be a part of the forged for the encore on totally different nights on this biographic play with dwell music that celebrates the lifetime of music legend Wilko Johnson.
A reputation that resonates with rock music fans and past, Wilko Johnson, the enduring rock star and co-founder of legendary band Dr Feelgood, was advised he had one 12 months to dwell in 2012. Refusing all therapy, he determined to spend his final months residing meaningfully: seeing the folks, locations and issues which meant most to him throughout his outstanding life… till a miracle occurred. Delving deep into the life and instances of this rock ‘n’ roll maverick, from his time with Dr Feelgood and Ian Dury and the Blockheads as one of many godfathers of the punk motion, to his performing profession in Sport of Thrones, the play blends dwell music, storytelling, and phrases from the Canvey Island legend himself, in a lesson in easy methods to dwell life to the fullest.
2025 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the band’s groundbreaking debut album Down by the Jetty. The album has been hailed as a significant affect by rock legends together with Paul Weller, Bob Geldof, and the Ramones. Different iconic artists – comparable to John Lydon of the Intercourse Pistols, Suggs from Insanity, and members of Echo and the Bunnymen – have additionally credited the band with shaping their sound.
Jonathan Maitland stated, ‘We will’t wait to see our unbelievable visitor stars performing with our forged within the West Finish. We did it as soon as, throughout our bought out run at Southwark, and it blew the roof off: it was probably the most memorable evening I’ve ever had in a theatre. So, this time spherical, we’re inviting visitor stars to play with us after each present. And will probably be wonderful. When Sir Bob Geldof stated that “with out Dr. Feelgood, there can be no Boomtown Rats” he was speaking for a technology of musicians and rockstars. And I’m happy to say we’ve got many extra sensible – and surprising-guests lined up… All might be revealed, in the end…’
Wilko: Love and Demise and Rock and Roll originated at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in 2024 and transferred to the Southwark Playhouse earlier this 12 months for its London premiere. The present is produced by Jetty Productions Ltd in Affiliation with Canvey Rock and Cahoots Theatre Firm and is written by Jonathan Maitland’s (The Interview, An Viewers With Jimmy Saville). The forged is made up of Georgina Fairbanks, Georgina Subject, Jon Home, David John and Johnson Willis as Wilko. A considerable portion of the earnings from the run might be donated to the Teenage Most cancers Belief which was certainly one of Wilko’s chosen charities whereas he was alive.
Forged
Georgina Fairbanks, Georgina Subject, Jon Home, David John and Johnson Willis as Wilko.
Listings info
Leicester Sq. Theatre
6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX
Tues – Sat 7pm, Thurs, Sat, Solar 3pm matinees
£35.00 – £22.00 | www.leicestersquaretheatre.com | 020 7734 2222
