Jonny Woo bares all in his latest production, Suburbia. Using song and spoken word, Woo tells us his story.
Wearing gorgeous dresses and nightwear, Woo takes us on a journey from his hometown and his influences growing up. Woo puts on a staggeringly beautiful performance as he opens with some classic lip-syncing and immediately captures the audience’s attention.
Woo delves into his time at school and the women who inspire him. He speaks frankly of the relationships he had at the time and of their consequences.
We travel to the growing LGBTQ+ scene in London, where Woo speaks candidly about finding himself. We follow him on his journey navigating the city as a young person, during the times of HIV and Margret Thatcher. His resonant voice leads the audience with goosebumps and tears many times.
As a performer he can connect with the audience with ease. The story is one that although unique to Woo, will resonate with anyone going through something similar. The stories he tells still feel familiar and current.
The drag artist later takes us all the way to New York, to explore the club scene, with energetic and crowd-pleasing songs that add to the spectacle of the show.
The set is simple, so Woo’s clothes can impress. The entertaining use of lights and sound prevent the show from being too stripped back. However, it does feel like it needs more dynamics in the staging.
The ending is impressive and camp, wowing the audience, but also making you sad as Woo talks about what coming-of-age means to him.
Jonny Woo, 13.35, Summerhall, until August 25
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/jonny-woo-suburbia
