Adam “Fabulous” Taylor


24 December 1986 – 25 November 2024

By Chris Whybrow

Adam Taylor, affectionately known to many as “Adam Fabulous", was a sound designer, engineer, operator and DJ whose work and warmth touched countless corners of the theatre and live events world. He passed away in November 2024 aged 37, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of creativity, generosity and friendship.

A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Adam began his professional career with Grease in the West End, quickly establishing himself as a trusted and joyful presence in rehearsal rooms, tech weeks, backstage or at FOH behind the sound desk. Over two decades his career spanned productions including Billy Elliot, The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, Sweeney Todd, Urinetown, Hamlet, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Cruel Intentions, and the international tour of Mamma Mia!, among many others.

Adam’s range extended far beyond theatre. He was a familiar face (and voice) in the world of corporate and experiential sound, working closely with Imagination and other production companies before later taking on a full-time role with the Autograph Sound Events Department. He worked on numerous high-profile projects, including Vogue World London, the reopening of Battersea Power Station, the Dubai Expo with Es Devlin, Dragon Slayer at Warwick Castle, and productions for Red Bull, Aston Martin F1, Range Rover and Virgin Atlantic. He was always immensely proud of the work he undertook, bringing care, enthusiasm and genuine pride to every project he was part of. His work was always meticulous, musical and centred on people.

“Adam ‘Fabulous’ Taylor was a much-loved, respected and constantly missed part of many events here at Imagination. His extraordinary collection of talents and sheer ‘joie de vivre’ meant he was an invaluable member of a team. We all knew when heading off around the world for a new show, either in the deserts of Saudi Arabia or Downtown Los Angeles or even in a marquee in Chichester… it would be possible with Adam by our side. He was one of a kind and can never be replaced. He is constantly missed, however his memory lives on with me in every project I touch, every day.” Crispian Covell, Head of Sound Design, Imagination. 

Adam never failed to make people laugh. He had a way of diffusing stress or tension by gently shifting the mood, picking out the absurd, reminding everyone of the lighter side, and helping the room relax. No matter the pressure, you could count on Adam to lift the atmosphere.

Equally at home behind a mixing desk or a DJ booth, Adam was a familiar face at Freedom Bar in Soho and Archer Street, as well as at countless theatre wrap parties. Known to many as “Adam Fabulous”, he was much in demand as a DJ for opening nights and celebrations across the industry. He was also a great supporter of many charities, particularly Backup Tech, a cause close to his heart that in turn supported him during his illness.

“Adam’s generosity and kindness were woven quietly into everything he did, and over the years our friendship grew naturally through shared shows, long days and even longer nights. He gave his time and energy freely, never cutting corners and often staying up through the night to make sure a show or event was exactly right, held to his own exacting standards.

Even in those late‑night moments, when others were running on fumes, Adam’s great sense of humour never faded. He had a way of finding something to laugh about, gently lifting the mood and reminding everyone why the work mattered. He was deeply dedicated to his profession, taking immense pride in every detail. He was just as devoted to his family, speaking of Kate and Adaline with unmistakable love and tenderness. To work alongside Adam was to feel supported, trusted and cared for, and to be his friend was a privilege defined by warmth and laughter. “Andrew Hedges, Autograph Sound

I was fortunate to have known Adam for well over a decade, during which time we worked on many shows and events together. I still find myself reaching for the phone to call him to ask if he wanted to jump on a show as an associate, come along for the ride, see if he’d be at the next crazy event we were working on, or simply go for a beer and catch up. Adam was one of those people you always wanted around on a project, not just for his skill and instinct, but for the warmth and energy he brought with him. Even now, his playlists are still being heard around the world, whether underscoring a corporate event somewhere or lifting the room with one of his famously upbeat musical theatre pre-show playlists.

He is survived by his wife Kate and their daughter Adaline. He faced his illness with remarkable strength and compassion, supported by a community that adored him.

The Guildhall School of Music & Drama has established the Adam Fabulous Scholarship in his memory, supporting students from under-represented backgrounds pursuing careers in technical theatre.

Adam’s loss is deeply felt across the theatre and live events sound community.

Adam was truly one of a kind – fiercely talented, fabulously himself, and deeply missed by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.