The divine Jonny Woo returns to Soho Theatre next week to showcase his favourite pieces from ten years of befrocked performances. Here, he exclusively shares who and what has inspired him along the way…
Probably the most important performer who springs to mind, as having influenced me was Justin Bond, in his incredible incarnation as Kiki, of Kiki and Herb.
I finally got to see him, or should I say ‘V’, as Justin is now known, in a performance at Fez. It took a while for me to tune into Justin’s machine-gun American patter and it was full of New York and American politics, which the audience lapped up.
Once I had tuned into this phenomena, the show was truly a rollercoaster ride. A level of characterization and an approach to cabaret that I had never seen before. Kiki was a character that pushed the boundary to its logical conclusion and continues to inspire what I feel is possible in a show.
My dance training is always with me, even when I am choreographing trannies for Glastonbury and in the back of my mind I am the great Pina Bausch. My version of Abba’s ‘The Visitors’, for my troupe of trannies, Maude Adam And All Those Children, is heavy with quotations from this incredible piece of dance. Well, it is in my mind anyway.
Another dear friend, Bo Bella Selector, many years ago, covered my eyes and led me through the Hayward, into a huge space, where he uncovered my eyes to reveal enormous faces chanting in a video installation by Bruce Nauman.
There was so much in this exhibition, which continues to influence me. His repetitive monologues for his performers are menacing, ironic and hilarious and I frequently channel his demonic gnomes jumping endlessly up and down. Just more madness to feed my imagination.
This isn’t really a theatrical performance but for sheer drama I must quote EastEnders as being one of my all time most important influences. I don’t watch it currently, ever since the return of Shane Ritchie, but in that wonderful period post his leaving and pre his return the scriptwriters really let rip!
The scene to end all scenes is, of course, the moment when Trina was pushed aside by God-possessed Lucas in the potting shed only to fall upon a garden rake, which pierced her neck and killed her.
She was wrapped in a carpet and buried on top of Owen in the square. And why not! Oh, and Ben dancing in front of the mirror to Girls Aloud can only be described as landmark television.
My ‘Tranny Lip-Synching’ competition threw up some amazing performers who truly blew me away. I got into lip-synching in New York where the trannies really know how to own a song.
Go up-town to Esqualita and really see how it is done. However, there is something about a very off-key lip-synch done London style, which has it’s own wonderful charm. Two of my favorites were a true star called Miss Jade who bought sets to rival those in ‘Les Mis’ and decided to play the leak in a song’s sax break.
‘This is Jonny Woo’ is my ‘best of, fave pieces and new stuff’ show, so there is something for everyone. Definitely fast paced and at times unpredictable, I am going for high-octane entertainment.
My MR ’E’ show was more contemplative and ‘Faggot’ unearthed some childhood stories. ‘This is Jonny Woo’ is where I am now. Indulging my more surreal side, channeling the more experimental pieces from my early New York days and celebrating my nights in London and New York clubs. Lots of couture… and Spam Ayres of course.
• Don’t miss This is Jonny Woo at Soho Theatre (21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE) from Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th Nov at 9:45pm. Head to www.sohotheatre.com for tickets.
