Comedienne to star in Boy George musical

Comedienne Rosie O'Donnell is reportedly working with a voice coach in order to take on a starring role in her troubled New York musical Taboo.

O’Donnell, who is producing the Broadway musical based on pop star Boy George's experiences in 1980s London, will take up the role of Big Sue when the pregnant actress Liz McCartney takes maternity leave next month, according to New York sources.

Reports suggest that O’Donnell, who stands to lose £8m on the show, is making a desperate attempt to help it attract larger audiences and alleviate its financial problems.

Taboo, which features Euan Morton as Boy George and George himself as flamboyant club owner Leigh Bowery, has been plagued by poor reviews since it transferred from the London stage to Manhattan.