Paul Baker reprises Olivier-winning role in Boy George’s Taboo

Baker, who won an Olivier Award for the role in 2003, said: “It is fantastic news that Taboo is coming back to London, and back to its roots in a funky new venue. I am really excited about being asked to play Philip Sallon again and to work with the original creative team with some new additions. I am sure it will be as crazy and exciting as 2002.”

Taboo centres on Billy, an aspiring photographer, who launches himself onto London’s vibrant club scene during the “decadent” 80s. He encounters many of the era’s most notorious personalities – including Marilyn, Steve Strange, Leigh Bowery, Philip Sallon and George himself.

While Taboo includes snippets of some Culture Club classics, George also penned an original score with songs including “Ode to Attention Seekers”, “Stranger in this World”, “Love Is a Question Mark”, “Guttersnipe”, “Touched by the Hand of Cool”, “Out of Fashion” and “Pie in the Sky”.

The creative team recently met for a read-through at the Hospital Club
in London, attended by our Whatsonstage.com photographer Dan Wooller (gallery below).

Paul Baker‘s many West End credits include Amos in Chicago, Napoleon in Napoleon, Zazu and Timon in the original cast of The Lion King and Rusty in Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria).

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Co-costume designer Mike Nicholls and hair and make-up designer Christine Bateman are both confirmed for the production, alongside three times Oliver Award-winner Tim Goodchild who is working with Christopher to realise the “site specific environment of the world of Taboo“.

The existing team will be joined by choreographer Frank Thompson and lighting designer Howard Hudson.