Fresh from a sell-out, critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jonny Woo’s Transformer hit Soho Theatre last week in a heroin-chic shower of glam rock glitter and sizzling sensuality. Transformer is a tribute to rock legend Lou Reed and his seminal (not THAT kind of seminal, stop it) album of the same name.
In layman’s terms it’s a tribute show but that doesn’t do it justice. Five basic bitches called “Girls Out Loud” performing in a pub in Harrogate is a tribute show. Transformer is more a homage. The aim isn’t to make people feel like they’re watching Lou Reed in a TONIGHT MATTHEW, boringly meticulous recreation sense. It was more about capturing the essence and the general vibe, not just of Lou Reed but of that whole messy, contentious, politically charged era.
And it succeeds in doing so effortlessly. Not only because of Jonny Woo’s stalkingly confident stage presence, but because of his supporting band who emulate the delightfully licentious crowd of miscreants Lou Reed surrounded himself with. Guitarist Mark, all shaggy hair and swinging jewellery, oozed arrogant talent and aloof sex appeal, while Miss Cairo, playing the role of trans Warhol Superstar Candy Darling, did a smoky rendition of Walk on the Wild Side, electrifying the room and titillating all the straight boys in the audience. Which made it all the more satisfying when she stripped off and got her dick out.
Particularly diverting was Fi McKlusky, channelling embittered feminist and author of the SCUM Manifesto Valerie Solanas, who famously shot Andy Warhol. Fi has a touch of anarchic 70’s insanity to her in real life (believe me, I’ve been to parties with her), and it came out on stage in her wild-haired, give-a-shit abandon. She half strutted, half stumbled about the stage, not as if she were performing in front of a room full of people, but as if she’d just got out of bed and was looking for her lighter. She also has one of the most amazing, unique singing voices I’ve ever heard. I can’t put my finger on it. Somewhere between Gwen Stefani and Goldfrapp.
This show is already fairly well-established; last year they played Latitude along with a run at Shoreditch’s Rich Mix and at other venues around the UK since then. People invariably love it, and that’s no surprise. It’s thought-provoking, fun and apart from anything else, a bloody good night out.
The show has found a producer and are currently in talks about a world tour. They may be going to Australia next year, the site of Lou Reed’s press conference where he was famously questioned about his sexuality. To keep up to date on future shows, follow Jonny Woo on Twitter at @jonnywoouk.
