Boogaloo Stu
“I haven’t actually been in a barber’s chair since I was a teenager, so it’s quite an alien concept to me. I cut and style my quiff myself. While this may come as shocking and surprising news, it’s actually a wig on my head. Over time, the quiff has got bigger and bigger which has resulted in quite a few tangles with lighting rigs onstage. The look is all my own creation – I found this piece of vintage paisley-printed lilac lurex and thought a frilly figure-hugging unitard would be just ideal. Although it’s maybe a little too figure-hugging – it doesn’t quite accommodate my increasing girth as perhaps I would like it to.
It’s always fun to work with Chris. He is delightful company, and puts me at ease in front of the camera. And in this era of AI enhancements and endless filters on everything, it’s refreshing to be portrayed in this unedited straightforward manner – even if almost every inch of me is covered up.”
Boogaloo Stu (he/him)
Boogaloo Stu has spent over 30 years performing and creating, chipping away at the showbiz coalface and occasionally striking pure gold.
Being queer, for Stu, means standing proud, confident, and true to himself. His audience has always been central to his work, giving him moments of both laughter and genuine connection that make him feel seen and appreciated.
On stage, Stu is a bold, extroverted, and gloriously ridiculous presence — fabulous and idiotic in equal measure. Off stage, he’s far more reserved, a mix of confidence and quiet reflection.
His message to queer kids today: forgive yourself for those crimes against fashion — you didn’t know any better.
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.