REVIEW: JONNY WOO: SUBURBIA @ SOHO THEATRE

🎭 Jonny Woo: Suburbia

📍 Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, London W1D 3NE

🗓 Wednesday 15th January 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A POETIC MEMOIR BURSTING WITH LIFE

Jonny Woo’s SUBURBIA is a 70-minute cabaret-style performance that defies the ordinary. It blends spoken word, storytelling and performance art into a poetic memoir that leaves a lasting impression. As someone new to this genre, I found the experience captivating and loved the mix of wit, rhythm and raw emotion.

For me, Woo’s writing and the way he used it to draw the audience into his world was the highlight. He vividly conjured up beautiful images of his childhood and youth as he grew up in Medway and later embedded himself in the queer communities of New York and London. Amazingly, Woo gave us great detail while at the same time delivering his words in a paced and rhythmic way. What made the performance even more engaging was Woo’s ability to break character seamlessly. He interacted with the audience, cracked jokes and in turn, added an extra layer of comedic intimacy that balanced the heavier themes.

While SUBURBIA had its fair share of light-hearted moments – often outrageous, particularly with Woo’s unapologetic nudity – it didn’t shy away from deeper, more poignant topics. Woo’s reflections on HIV and the fear it instilled brought a sombre edge to the performance, grounding the humour with heartfelt honesty.

The costume design was another standout element, with Woo sharing the touching story behind his dresses which had ended up in his hands after a crossdresser, who poignantly lived in the suburbs, had passed away. For me, this element added beautifully to Woo’s own story and experience of SUBURBIA. It connected his past and present and reminded the audience that there are people who share his experience living in the suburbs today. The fact that Woo bared all, both literally and emotionally is what made the show so moving and personal.

Adding to the atmosphere was the sense of community in the theatre. Many audience members were clearly familiar with Woo’s work and knew each other well, creating a warm and welcoming environment. As I waited for the lights to dim and the performance to start, the audience around me, many of whom are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, said hello to each other, tapping shoulders and waving between rows. Clearly, Woo isn’t just a performer; he’s a community builder, bringing people together through his refreshingly honest storytelling and lived experience.

Jonny Woo’s SUBURBIA is everything it promises to be – sharp, surprising and anything but suburban. It’s a masterclass in cabaret performance that left me, a first-timer, feeling deeply connected to the artist and the vibrant community he represents. If you’re looking for something daring, heartfelt and utterly unique, this show is not to be missed.

JONNY WOO: SUBURBIA continues performances at Soho Theatre until Saturday 25th January. Click here for tickets.

Estelle Luck

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

My ticket for this performance of Jonny Woo: Suburbia was gifted by Chloe Nelkin Consulting who invited me to watch the show on behalf of Pink Prince Theatre in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 10 minutes, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Full frontal nudity; Adult themes (swearing/sexual language and references)

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

18+