In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, Jonny Woo discusses their show Jonny Woo: Suburbia
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
It’s a personal memoir about leaving the suburbs to find my destiny in the big cities of London and New York and how chance meetings with people, no matter how fleeting, in our formative years can affect decisions we make and paths we take later on in life. I’ve used all the tricks in my repertoire as a performer of 20 years to tell the tale and take the audience to the heart of each moment so that you get a real sense of what it was like there; taking drugs for the first time; stepping out in drag for the first time; making certain mistakes again and again. It’s part theatre, part cabaret, part burlesque and part drag. It’s a wild ride.
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
I’ve told elements of my story in my shows before, often lightly or with a punchline added. Turning 50, I look back at my life differently and have been thinking of how certain relationships, moments may have triggered patterns of behaviour later in life. Both good and bad. I thought my story as a gay man, coming of age in the early 1990’s, under the spectre of AIDS and the wonders of the drug ecstasy which swept the nation hasn’t been told yet. I wanted to share this, for people who remember that time, as a love letter and as acknowledgement to my generation.
I’ve told elements of my story in my shows before, often lightly or with a punchline added. Turning 50, I look back at my life differently and have been thinking of how certain relationships, moments may have triggered patterns of behaviour later in life. Both good and bad. I thought my story as a gay man, coming of age in the early 1990’s, under the spectre of AIDS and the wonders of the drug ecstasy which swept the nation hasn’t been told yet. I wanted to share this, for people who remember that time, as a love letter and as acknowledgement to my generation.
How have you approached developing the show?
I’ve used memoir writing that I’ve been working on to tell the story and have used cabaret pieces I’ve created over the past 20 or so years to really help take the audience back to the times I’m trying to evoke. There is one moment in the show where I perform a piece created when I lived in NYC in 2000 (with my drag sister Brandon Olson). It’s about being in drag in downtown NYC. It was made at the time and reflects the mood of how we were feeling in that moment. It feels visceral to recreate actual moments and not just remember them.
I’ve used memoir writing that I’ve been working on to tell the story and have used cabaret pieces I’ve created over the past 20 or so years to really help take the audience back to the times I’m trying to evoke. There is one moment in the show where I perform a piece created when I lived in NYC in 2000 (with my drag sister Brandon Olson). It’s about being in drag in downtown NYC. It was made at the time and reflects the mood of how we were feeling in that moment. It feels visceral to recreate actual moments and not just remember them.
How would you describe the style of the show?
It’s an eclectic piece of theatre / cabaret. It has quite a linear narrative but stylistically it shifts and has sharp changes in tone. It’s kind of old school ‘Jonny Woo’ if you like. To me that means not being afraid to make unexpected choices; wanting to shock and thrill; tackling a subject head on; going into the darkness; rushing to the light; evoking joyous highs and this time; maybe letting you hear some real truths. My shows have always had a slight collage feel, this one has those traits with a memoir weaved into it.
It’s an eclectic piece of theatre / cabaret. It has quite a linear narrative but stylistically it shifts and has sharp changes in tone. It’s kind of old school ‘Jonny Woo’ if you like. To me that means not being afraid to make unexpected choices; wanting to shock and thrill; tackling a subject head on; going into the darkness; rushing to the light; evoking joyous highs and this time; maybe letting you hear some real truths. My shows have always had a slight collage feel, this one has those traits with a memoir weaved into it.
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Joyful Dangerous Thrilling
Joyful Dangerous Thrilling
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
I say prayers before each show. I’ve been in 12 step recovery on and off for years; sober now and you get some really useful prayers that help put yourself in a good space before doing a show; especially a show that requires a certain amount of honesty and integrity. We can only pray for humility when on stage. For me this year is about not getting in my head. Not comparing. Not worrying, but about getting stuck in. Seeing stuff. Connecting. Enjoying meeting other artists. I feel like it’s time I hung around with a load of luvvies again!
I say prayers before each show. I’ve been in 12 step recovery on and off for years; sober now and you get some really useful prayers that help put yourself in a good space before doing a show; especially a show that requires a certain amount of honesty and integrity. We can only pray for humility when on stage. For me this year is about not getting in my head. Not comparing. Not worrying, but about getting stuck in. Seeing stuff. Connecting. Enjoying meeting other artists. I feel like it’s time I hung around with a load of luvvies again!
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Fresh, lovely Scottish air. I love the smell of the breweries in the air. It’s a beautiful city. Being away from home, it’s great to be really single-minded about my ‘art’. Indulge the opportunity to feed my mind and my soul with what’s on offer. The Scottish accent is super sexy too, so if there are any hot Scots men who might like to show me things not listed in the fringe programme; I’ve an early show so all my evenings are free.
Fresh, lovely Scottish air. I love the smell of the breweries in the air. It’s a beautiful city. Being away from home, it’s great to be really single-minded about my ‘art’. Indulge the opportunity to feed my mind and my soul with what’s on offer. The Scottish accent is super sexy too, so if there are any hot Scots men who might like to show me things not listed in the fringe programme; I’ve an early show so all my evenings are free.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Cafe Royal - Edinburgh. I will have multiple lunches, dinners and breakfasts here. Great food, great decor. Classic. And the bar at The Voodoo Rooms is just fantastic. They make fantastic cocktails. Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
I haven’t looked yet but I’m in Giselle; Remix at The Pleasance Courtyard. A dear friend of mine has made a wonderful piece of queer performance art dance theatre; it’s spectacular. I’m delighted to dash over after my show and add some sparkle to what is already a fabulous piece of theatre.
I haven’t looked yet but I’m in Giselle; Remix at The Pleasance Courtyard. A dear friend of mine has made a wonderful piece of queer performance art dance theatre; it’s spectacular. I’m delighted to dash over after my show and add some sparkle to what is already a fabulous piece of theatre.
What was the first piece of theatre you saw which had a big impact on you?
Phantom Of The Opera. I think I was 15 when I saw it. 1987. I loved the music and I bought the double album and can lip-sync the entire record. ‘Let her sing for you monsieur, she has been well taught’ etc etc etc Then I bought Les Miserables double album and can lip-sync that too. ‘Come on Captain you can wear your shoes, don’t it make a change to have a girl who can’t refuse’ lol
Phantom Of The Opera. I think I was 15 when I saw it. 1987. I loved the music and I bought the double album and can lip-sync the entire record. ‘Let her sing for you monsieur, she has been well taught’ etc etc etc Then I bought Les Miserables double album and can lip-sync that too. ‘Come on Captain you can wear your shoes, don’t it make a change to have a girl who can’t refuse’ lol
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
Give life your big, best shot and savour each moment.
Give life your big, best shot and savour each moment.
Where and when can people see your show?
JONNY WOO; SUBURBIA at SUMMERHALL, Main Hall from 30TH JULY - 25TH AUGUST (except 12th / 19th) 1.35pm
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