Editor's Choice
Taboo
29 January-14 September 2002
Taboo (te'bu) adj. 1. Forbidden or disapproved of. But there were no signs of disapproval at last night's preview when London's hottest new musical received a standing ovation. Well-deserved, ostentatious applause for the most decadent and O.T.T show in town.
Written by '80s pop star Boy George, Taboo hurtles through the highs and lows of stardom, fame and everyone's desire to find love - in whatever shape of form. The story centres on the '80s London club scene where Billy, a wide-eyed suburban escapee, encounters wannabe Boy George, legendary club organiser Philip Sallon and extraordinary artist & designer, Leigh Bowery.
A musical that's definitely been Touched by the Hand of Cool, it's like watching a fly-on-the-wall epic about a bunch of self-confessed and self-adoring 'freaks' and the huge impact they had on music, fashion and art in the 1980s. Sometimes tragic, often hilarious, but most of all, melodramatic to the core.
Euan Morton's uncanny likeness to the young Boy George is almost as mesmerizing as his fabulous voice. In fact, it's evident that the whole cast are having a ball with this one. It boasts 16 brand new songs, some Culture Club classics and enough wigs, make-up and outlandish clothes to bring a smile to your face.
The Venue, which once played host to OAPs and their tea dances, has been transformed into a debauched den of drug dealing and drag acts - simply stunning. You'll leave wondering why modern-day pop fails to capture this sort of creativity and individuality.
