Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

Wishing all our visitors a fantastic 2015. Toyah got the New Year off to a good start…

2014 has been an exceptionally busy year for Toyah, and for Dreamscape. We’ve just about managed to keep up with our favourite workaholic over the last 12 months. After all these years it’s still fun and a privilege to run a fansite dedicated to such a great artist… Wishing all our visitors a very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2015.

This evening Toyah has tweeted a festive greeting: “HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FRIPP/COX’S. MAY YOUR LOVED ONES B SAFE AND MAY HAPPINESS COME 2 STAY XXX”

The Official Toyah Christmas 2014 Advent is now complete, with today’s final door opened. It’s been a great countdown to Christmas with rare and interesting Toyah goodies over the last 24 days. Click below to open door 24 and revisit the full countdown…

The build up to Christmas wouldn’t be complete at Dreamscape without this… I think I’ve mentioned I Believe in Father Christmas every December for the last 14 years, so here we go again… Toyah covers the Greg Lake 1975 classic (which I didn’t realise also features Robert Fripp until Toyah mentioned it a couple of years ago on Toyah’s Christmas at the Zoo) for ITV’s Pop Goes Christmas in 1982. She sounds great, looks amazing and Keith Hale and Joel Bogen are having a right old festive time in the forest of lit up trees. Bravo!

Take a look back over all of Dreamscape’s Christmas 2014 related content…

A trio of festive articles from Christmases past. Christmas Memories from ‘No. 1′ magazine in 1983, Star Surprises from ‘Celebs’ magazine in 2005, and a Christmas feature from ‘Sunday Express’ magazine in 2008 (which included a festive illustration by Daniel Mitchell).

O Come, All Ye Faithful: Express Magazine (21st December 2008)

The festive season isn’t just about parties and presents, even for the stars. Gillian Rowe talks to some well-known people about where they worship on Christmas Day, and what the occasion means to them.

Toyah Willcox: Each Christmas Eve my husband Robert and I go to the midnight carol service at my local parish church. I’m normally working over Christmas, singing at rock concerts or appearing in panto, so I find myself rushing home from wherever I am to get to the service on time. The church is full to the rafters, with 300 people or more, and everyone takes communion.

I believe in remembering the Christian values of Christmas, which for me are about bringing a community together and celebrating the birth of all children. Also, for me, Christmas is more important than the New Year as a time to look over what you have achieved in the previous 12 months. I love singing Silent Night and Away In A Manger. I first sung them at school, and we were all so innocent then. There was no persecution, terrorism or religious hatred when I was growing up in Birmingham. Of course, the history of Christianity, like many religions, is peppered with violence, but for me the principles of Christianity are sound. I think it’s important for children to be taught the power of prayer, the importance of community and compassion. For me a carol service awakens this in all children.

Star Surprises: Our Fave Gifts: Celebs Magazine (December 2005)

The celebs reveal all about the very best pressies they’ve ever found under the Christmas tree. Amazingly, they aren’t all diamonds and sports cars.

TOYAH WILLCOX ‘A lifesize terracotta statue of a horse and warrior. On Christmas day in 1991, my husband insisted I walk around the garden and there it was. I still love it.’

Christmas Memories: No. 1 Magazine (24th December 1983)

What was the best Christmas you ever had?

The best Christmases ever was when I was a kid because I had the security of my family and all the traditions were kept. I used to get tons and tons of pressies. Up until the age of ten I was having really good christmases. I spent one Christmas in complete euphoria after doing the Drury Lane Whistle Test which was two years ago. It was such a wonderful night.

• Continue reading Christmas Memories at Dreamscape’s Press Archive.

Top Of The Pops: The Story of 1976: Yesterday: Christmas Day: 11am
Top Of The Pops: The Story of 1976: Yesterday: Boxing Day: 11.20pm
Documentary examining how the BBC’s flagship pop show reflected changes in British music and culture during 1976. As the popularity of glam rock faded, no dominant musical scene emerged to replace it, leading to chart success for bands including Abba, Showaddywaddy, the Brotherhood of Man and the Wurzels – while outside the mainstream, punk rock was rapidly growing in popularity. Featuring contributions by Tony Blackburn, Paul Morley, Toyah Willcox, David Hamilton and Dave Haslam.

100 Greatest Toys with Jonathan Ross: More 4: Christmas Day: 3pm
A countdown of the nation’s favourite games, gadgets and playthings, as decided by a Channel 4 online poll. Inventors and toymakers tell the inside stories of their creations and successes. (Toyah appears briefly, via 1981 “Rubik Cube” footage)

Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 9pm
Cosy up with family and friends as Toyah Willcox brings you a selection of fine Christmas songs and a sprinkling of festive stories, surrounded by a variety of creatures great and small.  (This originally aired as a two-hour special. These are cut-down one hour programmes)

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 11.30pm
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Saturday 27th December: 11pm
Presenters Toyah Willcox and Wizzard’s Roy Wood are cosying up by the fireplace with two guest artists on our new show as they talk Christmas and sing favourite festive songs. (Part 1)

The 100 Greatest Musicals: More4: Boxing Day: 4.35pm
The 100 Greatest Musicals: More4: Hogmanay/New Year’s Eve: 8pm
Part One, 100 – 51. Denise Van Outen presents the first in a two-part rundown of the 100 best musicals as voted for by viewers, featuring 42nd Street, 8 Mile and The Sound of Music. The first show counts down from 100 to 51 and features memorable clips from film, stage and TV, interspersed with interviews given by performers, directors, writers and choreographers. Also airing on More4 +1 and HD.

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Boxing Day: 7pm
Snuggling up by the fireside with Toyah Willcox and Roy Wood for some Christmas chat and festive songs are pop rock act The Feeling and Imagination’s Leee John. (Part 2)

The 100 Greatest Musicals: More4: Sat 27th Dec: 4.10pm
The 100 Greatest Musicals: More4: New Year’s Day: 8pm
Part Two, 50 – 1. Denise Van Outen concludes the rundown of viewers’ favourite musicals, counting down from 50 to number one. Including memorable clips from film, stage and TV productions, plus contributions by celebrity fans, Hollywood movers and shakers, critics and journalists. Also airing on More4 +1 and HD.

Christmas 2002, Toyah guested on Gloria Hunniford’s Open House on Channel 5. This was a panto special with Toyah in full costume, she talked about her panto for that year, Aladdin at The Anvil in Basingstoke, Calamity Jane and more.

“A singer, actress, and presenter who has brought punk to panto, Toyah Willcox…“

Gloria: You’ve lost so much weight!

Toyah: I’ve been touring Calamity Jane for months. It’s made me lean and mean!

Christopher Biggins: Her muscles are incredible

Toyah: I have to swing from rafters and I’m thrown everywhere. It’s good. And that’s just in my dressing room!

Gloria: It seems odd that someone who was always very different…panto seems to be almost tame.

Toyah: You think it’s tame to dress like a boy twice a day, go onstage and pretend to be male, and marry a woman at the end of the show? I think it’s the best thing anyone could ever do! I know what you’re saying. I don’t think I would ever have dreamt 20 years ago that I would have done panto. Now that I’ve done it for 10 years I’m passionately in love with it.

• Read a full transcript of Toyah’s interview here, and view larger versions of the screen caps here.

For the fourth consecutive year Toyah has been omnipresent on Vintage TV throughout December. This year the 2011 special Toyah’s Vintage Christmas, 2012’s Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo and 2013′s two-parter, co-hosted by Toyah and Roy Wood, A Very Vintage Christmas have all aired numerous times over the last few weeks.

There are still chances to catch both parts of A Very Vintage Christmas and Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo. Toyah will be popping up a couple of times on the channel on Christmas Day.

Here are the days and times for the final airings of Toyah’s specials on Vintage TV this Christmas.

Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Tuesday 23rd December: 11.30pm
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 9pm
Cosy up with family and friends as Toyah Willcox brings you a selection of fine Christmas songs and a sprinkling of festive stories, surrounded by a variety of creatures great and small.  (This originally aired as a two-hour special. These are cut-down one hour programmes)

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 11.30pm
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Saturday 27th December: 11pm
Presenters Toyah Willcox and Wizzard’s Roy Wood are cosying up by the fireplace with two guest artists on our new show as they talk Christmas and sing favourite festive songs. (Part 1)

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Boxing Day: 7pm
Snuggling up by the fireside with Toyah Willcox and Roy Wood for some Christmas chat and festive songs are pop rock act The Feeling and Imagination’s Leee John. (Part 2)

Christmas 1996, Toyah contributed a touching recollection of childhood Christmasses to the charity publication ‘Once Upon A Christmas’. This book is now out of print.

In this delightful Christmas book, a host of our most popular and well-known celebrities from all walks of life have contributed stories, memories, recipes and thoughts about Christmas to make this the most irresistible festive anthology there is… Once Upon A Christmas will help to put – and keep – you in the Christmas spirit.

Toyah Willcox: Broadcaster and Singer

Childhood Christmasses were the most magical.

It was the appearance of the Christmas tree that cued two weeks of sheer all-encompassing joy. I’m talking about being four years old. Just able to talk but unable to comprehend the hidden meanings of the words of wisdom from the giants, the adults. My family home, although modest, was a castle to me and everything in it was rare and precious. But the Christmas tree was proof that Narnia, fairies, hobgoblins and fauns truly did exist…

• Continue reading at Dreamscape’s Press Archive. (Thanks to Paul Lomas)

Happy Christmas From The Stars, a “Free Christmas Record (12 Minutes of Festive Fun)”, the flexi that was attached to the December 9-22, 1982 issue of ‘Smash Hits’ magazine, featured numerous pop stars sending readers festive greetings. Click below to listen – Toyah arrives at 4.46, inbetween Martin Fry of ABC and Steve Strange of Visage. Too-de-loo!!

The countdown to Christmas Day has been continuing daily at toyahwillcox.com’s Christmas Advent, with wonderfully colourful and rare Toyah content, including photos and video footage.

The festive countdown continues right through until Christmas Eve… at The Official Toyah Willcox Website.

Toyah and Brave New World star Messenger went early Christmas shopping in November 1983… Pop singer and actress Toyah Willcox has always wanted to do her Christmas shopping on horseback! With a little help from TV-am’s ‘Fantasy Time’, and Liberty’s in Regent Street, Toyah rode a white horse called Messenger through the store. Watch the full TVAM clip at Toyah’s Official You Tube channel or below.

Only 11 days until Christmas, why not download some festive Toyah music to help make the rest of the countdown more melodic.

1. Re-Joyce (In The Bleak Midwinter) by The Hazel O’Connor Collective, which included Toyah, was released four years ago at Christmas 2010. A charity single, raising funds for the hospice Hazel’s mum was looked after before her death. A great cause and a really good song. Download at iTunes. 2. I Believe In Father Christmas, Toyah’s version of the Greg Lake 70s festive classic (which was voted one of the greatest ever Christmas songs in a 2012 poll) has gathered quite a history over the years: It was originally recorded for ITV’s Pop Goes Christmas in 1982, Safari then included it on the ‘Mayhem’ compilation album in 1985, and later it was also made available on the CD ‘Live & More’. Two Christmasses ago it was released as a standalone digital single. Download at iTunes. 3. Winter In Wonderland, One year on and there was a new digital single, no make that an EP, for Christmas – Winter in Wonderland… Download at iTunes.

Toyah was interviewed in the Christmas 2008 issue of ‘Liverpool.com’ magazine. It’s an interesting read, though the interview isn’t particularly festive:

Fight or flight? That depends on who the opposition are. If I’m dealing with hypocrites, then they’re guaranteed a fight. If I’m dealing with maniacs then I take flight. 

Click here to read the full article, with Toyah and Martin Fry of ABC and the full December issue of ‘Liverpool.com’, or here for just Toyah’s interview.

More festive Toyah viewing from the fantastic Vintage TV channel. (Photo © Vintage TV)

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Sunday 14th December: 1am
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Saturday 20th December: 8pm
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 11.30pm
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Saturday 27th December: 11pm
Presenters Toyah Willcox and Wizzard’s Roy Wood are cosying up by the fireplace with two guest artists on our new show as they talk Christmas and sing favourite festive songs. (Part 1)

A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Sunday 14th December: 10am
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Sunday 21st December: 10am
A Very Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Boxing Day: 7pm
Snuggling up by the fireside with Toyah Willcox and Roy Wood for some Christmas chat and festive songs are pop rock act The Feeling and Imagination’s Leee John. (Part 2)

More upcoming air times/dates for Toyah’s Vintage TV festive specials. (Photo © Vintage TV)

Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Saturday 13th December: 10am
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Sunday 14th December: 7pm
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Tuesday 23rd December: 11.30pm
Toyah’s Christmas At The Zoo: Vintage TV: Christmas Day: 9pm
Cosy up with family and friends as Toyah Willcox brings you a selection of fine Christmas songs and a sprinkling of festive stories, surrounded by a variety of creatures great and small.  (This originally aired as a two-hour special. These are cut-down one hour programmes)

Toyah’s Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Friday 12th December: 7pm
Toyah’s Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Tuesday 16th December: 10am
Toyah’s Vintage Christmas: Vintage TV: Wednesday 17th December: 6pm
Snuggle down by the fire with the family as punk princess, Toyah Willcox, introduces some of the finest Christmas videos of the 20th Century, sprinkled with a generous handful of fun festive facts.

Toyah’s festive December/Christmas blog is now online at toyahwillcox.com. Toyah has also tweeted a photo of her gorgeous Christmas tree at Twitter: “Christmas tree almost finished. Yipeeeee! Now…..what to get hubby for xmas?”

The first Christmas of the 1990’s saw Toyah play Miss Scarlet in a special festive edition, “Christmas Past, Christmas Present”, of ITV’s Cluedo.

You are invited to a murder: Arlington Grange – home of wealthy widow Elizabeth Peacock; society hostess and patron of the arts. A woman with a reputation she would rather forget.

Colonel Mustard: Secret lover of Mrs. Peacock. A dashing military hero who’s glitering career hides a tarnished past. The Reverand Green: Pastor of the parish who’s means of raising money are not heaven sent. Though a man of the cloth, he has feet of clay. Professor Plum: Nuclear physiscist and government advisor. But would his research methods stand the scrutiny of a microscope. Miss Scarlett: vivacious step-daughter of Mrs. Peacock; who’s lust for the high life will let nothing or no-one stand in her way. And Mrs White: for the past 15 years, friend and housekeeper to Mrs. Peacock. But what what dark secret did she bring to Arlington Grange?

Six people, all with murder on their minds.

Here are the thoughts of a Cluedo fan: “The show producers must have realised that they needed strong characters by now, as the casting of vivacious Toyah Willcox showed.

Toyah was great in the part, with all of the men drooling over her; yet still being a complete b*tch to everyone – especially her step-mother. Like others in the Christmas Special, she was made to look very similar to her card equivalent – especially her hair style.

Toyah is best known for being an 80’s rock singer (“It’s A Mystery” and more); but she also has a very strong acting career behind her. Major parts for her have been as Miranda in “The Tempest”, but she has narrated a couple of children’s television series (e.g. “The Teletubbies”) and has made many guest appearances in shows as herself.”

Christmas 2010, and The Hazel O’Connor Collective, which included Toyah as one of the main vocalists, released the lovely Re-Joyce (In The Bleak Midwinter). Proceeds from the single went to Myton Hospice in Coventry where Hazel’s mum, Joyce, received care and treatment for cancer.

The track was also released on CD, and alongside the main single mix, some special solo versions were also released digitally, including Toyah’s. Re-Joyce reached the Top 10 of the Amazon UK Music/Singles chart.