A new New Romantic!
It’s late afternoon and flecks of snow pepper the fading late afternoon light in a Salford side street. Standing by a transit van and unloading gear is a familiar-looking figure for anyone old enough to remember the Eighties.
Wearing red lipstick, make up over his eyes and cheeks, and sporting a grey jacket, black trousers, and white purple patterned shirt, unknown actor Douglas Booth is recreating Boy George’s iconic look for a BBC drama about the early days of the Culture Club star called Worried About The Boy.
Douglas is sharing the scene – which involves unloading equipment from the van before rehearsing in bass player Mikey Craig’s mum’s house – with former Gavin & Stacey star Mat Horne. Mat Horne is a bit more subdued with a grey outfit as he plays Culture Club’s drummer and George’s one-time love Jon Moss. Jon has visited the set, and by all accounts Mat’s a dead ringer for his real life alter ego. Just to give the film added authenticity, Jon has also lent Mat some of his original Eighties outfits.
Talking of authenticity, Boy George became a regular of Soho’s infamous Blitz Club that was the favourite hangout of the New Romantics, and was run by Visage frontman Steve Strange.
A chunk of the film’s budget has been spent recreating the Blitz Club on the first floor of a drab, mock Tudor Manchester pub. There’s a bar and dance floor, and a VIP section full of small round tables, and suitably patriotic WWII posters on the walls with slogans like ‘Dig for victory’. Raised up on a platform is Steve Stranger’s throne where he could survey the goings on in his club.
Former Hustle favorite Marc Warren plays Steve Strange, and looks impressive in his over the top Eighties wig, while The League Of Gentlemen’s Mark Gaits plays eccentric music impresario Malcolm McLaren.
The 90-minute film is due to air as part of BBC2’s Eighties season, which also includes dramas The Royal Wedding, and a version of Martin Amis’ Money, starring Nick Frost.
By Nick Fiaca
Were you a Culture Club fan or a New Romantic? Share your memories with us and let us know if you’re looking forward to BBC2’s bit of Eighties nostalgia!
