Paul Baker Returns to TABOO; Set to Reprise Role of 'Sallon' in New London Production

As BroadwayWorld reported yesterday, producers Danielle Tarento and Bronia Buchanan will present a new production of Boy George's Taboo at Brixton Club House following last month's launch of the VIP Gold Room, marking the multi-purpose venue's first foray into theatre.

Today, it has been revealed that the show will star one of its original leading men, Paul Baker, as the club's promoter Philip Sallon. Baker won an Olivier award for the role in 2003. He is additionally known for his performances in the West End productions of Chicago (Amos), Napoleon (Napoleon), the original cast of The Lion King (Zazu, Timon) and Starlight Express (Rusty).

Taboo will once again be directed by co-creator, Christopher Renshaw and the project is also actively supported by the talents of many of the original creative team including writer Mark Davies Markham and composer/lyricist and star of the original run, Boy George. The production will be cast by Anne Vosser Casting (www.vosser-casting.co.uk), the show's original Casting Director.

Produced by Danielle Tarento who scooped the coveted title of Best Producer at the Off West End Awards 2012 and Bronia Buchanan of End of the Pier Productions. Taboo will be presented in licence through Stage Entertainment Licensed Productions (www.licensedmusicals.com)

The producers of Taboo, which opens at the Brixton Club House on the 6th September are holding open auditions for the role of one the New Romantic era's most colourful and enduring characters, Leigh Bowery, in an open call which takes place between 10.30am – 2pm (registration at 9.30am) on Friday 29th June. Auditonees are invited to bring sheet music to sing and dress up in celebration of this counter-cultural icon.

A musical portrait of a brief but remarkable era, 1980s London. These gloriously self-indulgent years, played out against a backdrop of mass unemployment and social upheaval, sparked a rebellion among young people which ultimately found its expression in outrageous fashions and a decadent nightlife.  These were the "New Romantics" – leaders of a phenomenon which left a lasting influence on both the face and fate of pop, fashion and social culture.

The show previously enjoyed a West End run at the Venue Theatrein 2002, and a 2003 production on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre that played 100 performances. 

Taboo is a story between a young girl and boy swept up in this exciting artistic climate and also focuses on two other young men – Leigh Bowery, a brilliant, anarchic performance artist and designer, and George O'Dowd, a young, rough-edged boy who arrives in London and, once part of the Eighties club world, becomes the surprising crossover star of the scene, Boy George.  From squat to superstardom, from rock to rock bottom, both mens' stories are played out against the fantastic background of Taboo, the nightclub that came to symbolise the excess and decadence of 1980s London and subsequently defined a generation.

For tickets and more information, visit www.ticketweb.co.uk/BrixtonClubHouse.

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