Into character with the spectacular Jonny Woo
With poetic charm and unforgettable costume, he sprinkles the un-royal in every theatre from London’s Soho to Stockholm.
Is everyday showtime? What does ‘off-duty’ look like for you – does a coffee run ever happen without a wig, a lash, a stiletto?
When Jonny Woo is off duty, he is very off duty. To blend in with the masses of the big city, nip for an incognito coffee run or a cycle - not in chiffon. I like to keep a little bit of style of course, as a gay man of a certain age. I'm more 'masc for masc' rather than masc for mascara. BUT, in my head it's always showtime!
I'm always plotting and thinking about the next spectacle. Whether on stage this week or in six months, shows take time to perfect. Whilst I may present in double denim by day, in my mind I'm head to toe in sequins and heels.
Talk us through the role play. When you dream up a new character, where does it begin — a name, a mood, a costume detail?
I'm a bit of a chameleon in drag; whether fabulous and feminine, or maybe in butch hyper masculine disguise. The inspiration may come from a client brief or maybe just a wardrobe rummage that leads me to rediscover a back-combed wig that just says 'Rich Lady Gone Wrong!'
I've worked with clients like MBC on carving out the perfect look or character, whether landing upon ‘the London Look’ for a fabulous party at the Tate with a pre-existing 'Pearly Queen' bespoke ensemble we dialled up for that WOW effect for an international high-end audience. Or my recent 'Un-Royal' costume, fantasised by way of a giant Farrah Fawcett wig put into special commission with my go to wig maker. It ended up more Farrah Fabulous than Farrah Fawcett, but, nevertheless, a moment.
I love doing 'Man’ Drag too. For my role as Lou Reed, again, I searched for the perfect hair as a starting point and scoured the market for the perfect biker jacket, jeans and boots to compliment. The research into a look informs the character, inspired by a process of discerning how and what tells this visual story.
Share an address for those ultimate showstopping pieces?
My two most recent mega wigs came from 'Truffle Pig Wigs' who I found on Instagram. They really turn heads - Farrah Fab could’ve been seen from outer space. For those special commission gowns and ensembles I turn to my go to couturier Julian Smith - also known as Jacqui Potato in the world of fabulous drag. Max Allen who makes wonderful collage style avant gowns and outfits. In my shows I'll often be left on stage nearly, well totally naked so that look, my natural born body, is courtesy of God herself! Otherwise, I'll troll Finsbury Park or Dalston and see what catches my eye.
Do you have a grounding routine, superstition or mad habit that puts you into performance mode?
I suffer from pre performance jitters. Sometimes it's adrenaline and excitement, sometimes it is fear. It used to be much worse. What helps me is praying! That sounds odd, I suppose. But in 12-step recovery (that's for another interview) I was given 2 short prayers, which are about handing fate over to the higher powers. If I'm anxious I just say to myself 'You are here, dressed up, and the audience is waiting. If you could go home now, would you?' and I reply back - 'Nah, let's do it!' Next time you catch me pre-performance, you will know what I’m doing talking to myself.
Talk to us about the heels. Is there a pair that makes you feel invincible – and how long did it take to master the signature Jonny Woo strut?
I think I took to wearing heels like a duck to water. C. 1999, New York City, in low marabou mules… OMG they hurt the sidewalk but nothing a fist load of martinis couldn't cure.
It used to be a 80's style stiletto, a sleek, feminine look for practicing my catwalk strut with the gang. I'm blessed with, shall we say, 'Broadway Legs!' These days I lean to a more practical platform, but never without a heel on stage to put me in mode.
Is there such a thing as drag queen drama? Spill the tea.
You know the gulrs often like to get together for a catch up and sure we'll share some news from the 'scene' but talking about others is ultimately a waste of energy when we could be talking about ourselves.
I’m much more intrigued by the fabulous things we all have coming up rather than some fight between so and so. Tell me about the next show, the next holiday, the next custom outfit.