The British rock legend relives onstage through this musical biopic portraying a more personal side that not so many may know about. Guillermo Nazara chats with the man playing the icon all through city, to learn more about his process of putting Wilko back in the night.
How does it feel to be playing one of the biggest legends and influences in the history of punk rock?
This is a story of growing up, finding love, making music and confronting death. The legend comes later.
Apart from the difficulties of playing a real-life character that so many people know, have you found any other particular challenges in this role?
Playing the guitar like Wilko is hugely challenging, and I don’t tink I’ll ever really get there. Having said that, Wilko aspired to play like Mick Green and confessed to falling short so we’re together on that one.
What has been your process to make the character your own, instead of just an impersonation?
Right from the start there were apparent similarities, so some of what appears is both he and me.
The plot deals with one of the hardest obstacles Wilko had to overcome in his personal life. Would you say that this show presents him in a way audiences have never seen before?
There are a lot of Wilko Johnson interviews online, all of which are great fun to watch. This play shows that side of Wilko, but also the darker side, the vulnerability and chaos. Unless you’d been there, you wouldn’t know.
As an actor, what responsibilities do you find in dealing with the most personal or vulnerable side of a public character?
The responsibility is immense. Thankfully, the feedback I have had from his family, friends and fans has been amazing and to me that has been truly inspirational.
What unique elements have you found in this character in comparison to other previous roles?
It’s difficult to come up with unique elements of character because we are all made of the same stuff but in very different mixtures. Wilko’s mix maybe has more vitality and carefree abandon than anyone else I have played before.
We already know what Wilko Johnson stands for in the music field. But what does he stand for in this show?
Wilko stands for life.
Why come see Wilko: Love, Death & Rock and Roll?
Because his journey is worth remembering and experiencing together.
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Wilko: A Play With Live Music will play at London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough from 20 March to 19 April. Tickets are available on the following link.