Taboo

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"Taboo" is a musical that explores the London club scene of the 1980s and early 1990s, focusing on the lives of two of its prominent figures: the flamboyant performance artist Leigh Bowery and the pop singer Boy George. The story centers on the relationship between Bowery and George, as well as their struggles with fame, addiction, and personal identity. The musical features a score by Boy George and Kevan Frost, with songs ranging from upbeat pop numbers to poignant ballads.

The show premiered in London's West End in 2002, with a cast that included Euan Morton as Boy George and Boy George himself as Leigh Bowery. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its energy and boldness while others found it to be disjointed and lacking in depth. Despite the mixed critical reception, "Taboo" developed a loyal following and ran for over a year in the West End before transferring to Broadway in 2003.

The Broadway production, which starred Raul Esparza as Bowery and Boy George as a narrator, received similarly mixed reviews but did not find the same success as its London counterpart. It closed after only 100 performances, although it has since gained a cult following and has been revived in various productions around the world. "Taboo" is notable for its use of drag performers and its exploration of LGBTQ themes, as well as its vibrant portrayal of the London club scene of the 1980s.