A NEW production of a play in memory of Wilko Johnson has officially begun to delight audiences.

The Queens Theatre in Hornchurch hosted its opening night for the show, titled “Wilko”, on Saturday.

The show tells the “amazing, uplifting, true story of Wilko, the Canvey legend”.

Echo: New - the Wilko’ show at the Queens Theatre New - the Wilko’ show at the Queens Theatre (Image: Hannah Davis)

Canvey music legend Wilko Johnson passed away at the age of 75 back in November 2022.

The Dr Feelgood and Game of Thrones star was born on Canvey, and in 2013 become the face of the historic Southend Railway Hotel.

Johnson was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer in 2013 and given just ten months to live.

Echo: Performance - Johnson Willis as WIlkoPerformance - Johnson Willis as WIlko (Image: Mark Sepple)

However, later tests showed his cancer was not as aggressive as previously thought and an operation was offered as a chance to save his life.

After an 11-hour procedure which removed a tumour, his pancreas, spleen, parts of his stomach and intestines, and some blood vessels from around his liver, the musician was declared cancer-free.

The production will tell Johnson’s story through a “mixture of words, rock ‘n roll, and quotes from the man himself”.

Echo: Perform - The show in actionPerform - The show in action (Image: Mark Sepple)

The theatre will host more than 20 shows between now and February 24.

Bosses say the opening night was a success and look forward to the rest of the performance.

The age guidance for the show is 11+ and does contain “strong adult language”.

There are still tickets left to book for some of the remaining shows, and for more details, visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk/whatson/wilko/