Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

A great new image has just been made available of Toyah for her season with Proud’s Cabaret All Stars.

80’s legend Toyah Willcox joins Proud’s Cabaret All Stars from Thursday 4th November!

Britain’s original punk princess Toyah Willcox will headline London’s most spectacular cabaret experience, ‘Proud Cabaret All Stars’ at Proud Embankment for select dates this November & December 2021.

‘I can’t wait to be part of Proud Cabaret All Stars Family and rock out to all the classics at this amazing venue’, comments Toyah Willcox.

TOYAH WILL BE HOSTING ON – NOV 4th, 11th, 17th, 24th, 30th. Dec 1st, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd

• Tickets to see Toyah and all other star hosts are now on sale can be booked online at www.proudcabaret.com, or by calling the Proud sales team on: 020 7482 3867.

National Album Day UK returns on Saturday with the theme, ‘Celebrating Women In Music’ so this week, Demon Music Group put the spotlight on talented female artists and their huge contribution to music. This, of course, includes Toyah. Listen to their inspiring and diverse ‘Women In Music’ playlist, at Spotify, by clicking below.

80’s legend Toyah Willcox joins Proud’s Cabaret All Stars from Thursday 4th November!

Britain’s original punk princess Toyah Willcox will headline London’s most spectacular cabaret experience, ‘Proud Cabaret All Stars’ at Proud Embankment for select dates this November & December 2021.

Toyah is no stranger to the stage and screen, with over 40 plays and 10 feature films under her belt. A singer, actress and TV presenter with 8 top 40 hits, and 20 albums, Toyah is bringing her magic touch to Proud’s flagship venue, Proud Embankment this Autumn. Leading a cast of world-class cabaret, circus and burlesque superstars in an extraordinary show on in the heart of London.

Toyah will join current sell out headline acts: Denise Van Outen and Duncan James, following hot on the heels of recent hosts: the fabulous Julian Clary and comedy legend Bill Bailey.

‘I can’t wait to be part of Proud Cabaret All Stars Family and rock out to all the classics at this amazing venue’, comments Toyah Willcox.

TOYAH WILL BE HOSTING ON – NOV 4th, 11th, 17th, 24th, 30th. Dec 1st, 9th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 21st, 22nd

Tickets to see Toyah and all other star hosts are now on sale can be booked online at www.proudcabaret.com, or by calling the Proud sales team on: 020 7482 3867 

Alex Proud, CEO remarks – ‘I am thrilled & honoured to have Toyah join our Proud Cabaret All Stars family, A true original and real icon, I have been a fan since childhood, it is such an honour and a treat to have her on our stage”

An evening of pure indulgence and escapism will unfold along with a scrumptious three-course Asian Italian fusion menu devised exclusively for Proud by world class head chef Antonio Vacca together with fabulous cocktails and first-class service.

Joining Proud’s fabulous hosts on stage, Cirque du Soleil performer Katherine Karpovich will perform her incredible aerial act, plus international and award-winning cabaret star Pi the Mime reinvents the art of mime, blending it with dance, drag, clown and burlesque. Darlings of the Moulin Rouge J’Adore La Vie will bring their haute couture burlesque to the party and the infamous international burlesque show ghoul, horror diva and Brazilian bombshell Marie Devilreux is set to astonish.

Missa will leave audiences stunned with her mind-blowing sword swallowing, in tarnation burlesque sensation Jake Dupree will set hearts racing and multi-talented Leonie Alert will be showcasing her dare-devil fire skills.

Proud aims to ensure their guests have an unforgettable evening. With artists from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil to the dazzling likes of Vegas showgirls, every moment is designed to impress, scare, wow, and captivate the audience.

Having benefited from considerable investments in the venue to include all Covid-19 safety measures, Proud Embankment has also undergone a complete makeover throughout lockdown making it the most glamorous and Instagrammable venue in the capital. Proud ensures that customers get the experience of a lifetime in the safest possible environment with a triple lockdown guarantee where, in the event of a lockdown or change in roadmap, a refund, reschedule or credit note will be offered.

THE SHOW: The spectacular showstopper Proud Cabaret All Stars features Europe’s most talented music, cabaret, drag and acrobatic acts, performing exclusively in the UK’s biggest and most opulent cabaret venue.

Each evening, Toyah Willcox will take to the stage to perform and introduce the audience to Proud’s unforgettable acts. Guests are treated to a delicious three-course menu with a welcome cocktail on arrival, while enjoying the spectacle in an opulent setting.

Proud Embankment is located in an iconic heritage building at the heart of the West End, situated underneath Waterloo Bridge on the North bank of the River Thames. The UK’s largest and most glamorous venue dedicated to the artform of Cabaret. Make a grand entrance down the lavish commanding staircase, take a step into the spotlight on our central stage, relax into the golden booths, peep behind the red curtain, and breathe in the perfumery of perfection.

Aaaaaaaah!, the film by Steve Oram, is being screened at the London Podcast Festival 2021 this weekend – Saturday 11th September. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)

90 Minutes Or Less Film Fest: Robin Ince on Aaaaaaaah!

Special guest Robin Ince presents Steve Oram’s 79 minute opus Aaaaaaaah!

London Podcast Festival 2021
The podcast that celebrates films under 90 minutes long returns to Kings Place with a brand new live show! Sam is curating a fictional film festival. He’ll accept almost anything, but the movie must not be longer than 90 minutes.

Each episode a special guest selects a length appropriate movie and discuss why it should be included in the festival’s line up.

For this live edition of the show, we will be joined by comedian, writer and fellow podcaster Robin Ince (The Infinite Monkey Cage, Book Shambles with Robin and Josie).

We will watch Robin’s chosen film, Aaaaaaaah!, together on the big screen and discuss the film with Robin during our live podcast recording straight after.

• Continue reading at Kings Place What’s On. Browse our Aaaaaaaargh! news archive.

It’s Halloween! The perfect day for a spooky Toyah playlist (albeit a short one!). I’m not much of a horror fan, can’t even watch a scary movie without the light on, but being brave to compile this tuneful frightfest… Six from Toyah, from the spine tingling to the truly electrifying! Listen to the playlist at Spotify. (Thanks Craig!)

The Packt: From the 1982 album The Changeling. “The doors blow open. You’ve arrived!” Scary and Epic! #Majestic

She: From the 1980 album The Blue Meaning. The opening of this track is as “gothic” as Toyah ever sounded. An incredible song that builds and builds… “Alleluia!” #Cataclysmic

Voodoo Doll: A b-side from 1983 which, on the surface, sounds like a fairly straightforward pop song. “Eyes alight, I am the night…“. Maybe not so straightforward! #Supernatural

Creepy Room: Another from The Changeling. “They’re sending me to the creepy room, for some chemically induced fear“. Enough said! #Ominous

Victims Of The Riddle (Vivisection): The b-side of Toyah’s 1979 debut single. The subject matter of this track is bizarre in itself (experimenting on sentient animals is highly controversial), but the high-pitch squeals make it all the more uncomfortable to listen to. Producer, Steve James recently revealed they were achieved by Toyah sucking on helium (which would also be utilised during 1980 recording sessions). #Spinechilling

Angels and Demons: From the 1981 EP, Four From Toyah. “Angels and demons, omens and requiems, peers and sightseers, merchants with souvenirs“. Toyah said of the song, “This one’s about growing up, and everything you’re told not to believe in“. #Mysterious

The Film London Jarman Award at a glance

A world-renowned annual prize for artists’ moving image in the UK, established in 2008 | Inspired by visionary artist filmmaker Derek Jarman | Artists are nominated by art and film world experts across the UK each year | A jury of industry leaders select 6 artists for the shortlist | Works by the shortlisted artists are toured to key cultural venues across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland | £10,000 prize money

Film London Jarman Award Patrons
Spanning actors, artists, screenwriters and musicians, the Patrons’ work and support are vital in the development and success of the Award. The Film London Jarman Award Patrons are John Akomfrah, Terence Davies, Rupert Everett, Dexter Fletcher, Hetain Patel, Tony Peake, Tilda Swinton and Toyah Willcox.

The Patrons’ expertise, industry knowledge and connection to Derek Jarman in either a professional or a personal capacity help to introduce artist filmmaking to a wider audience. Together they help promote and sustain the legacy of Jarman, whose inventiveness and bold ambition is seen in the work of artists practising today and those shortlisted for the Award.

“I consider myself extremely lucky to have worked with Derek Jarman, not only on the movies Jubilee and The Tempest, but also to have been present in his personal life. To have seen first-hand his creative processes and above all to learn from him what it is to live by the rule ‘no compromise’. This is the Jarman that inspires me so much today, not only a great visionary, artist, writer and collector of ideas, but a man who saw beyond class, gender, even intellect, into the very important stories of each individual’s soul.” – Toyah Willcox, singer, writer and actor

• Continue reading at Film London. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)

Good Morning Universe! Catch Toyah in a live filmed performance for the new online TV series That Was Then… This Is Now! on Thursday 5th November at 7pm. Also in this series launch episode are Chesney Hawkes & The Fizz. Get your tickets by clicking below.

The World Premiere of Heckle, starring Steve Guttenberg, Clark Gable III, Toyah Willcox, Nicholas Vince takes place on Saturday as part of FrightFest 2020. Click below for further info.

World Premiere – Joe Johnson, at the top of his stand-up comic game, decides to share a Halloween weekend away with a group of friends. They decide on the theme of a 1980s retro party, and jokingly suggest that if they get drunk, high, and behave badly enough, hopefully they’ll attract their own psycho killer. The joke is suddenly very much on them though, as in turn they reach their grisly demise at the hands of The Heckler, an uninvited guest out to turn their nostalgic horror movie fantasy into a terrifying reality, before delivering an unforgettable punchline…

Look out for Toyah on Edition 1 of That Was Then… This Is Now! on Thursday 5th November , with The Fizz and Chesney Hawkes. Tickets available here. See the Toyah trailer below!

That Was Then… This Is Now! is a new and innovative Online Music Show. Featuring huge acts of the last sixty years with exclusive live studio performances filmed in the highest visual and audio quality and introduced by broadcasting legend Mike Read & Sky TV’s Hayley Palmer. This innovative show can be pre-ordered as a paid online stream.

Edition One, featuring performances from The Fizz, Toyah and Chesney Hawkes, premieres on Thursday 5th November at 7pm, purchase your ticket now for only £10! Tickets are on sale now here. Watch the official launch trailer below! Visit the official website.

Today is National Album Day 2020 and Toyah is one of this year’s Ambassadors, with the 2020 theme of the event being the 80’s!

In celebration, Toyah is hosting a Listening Party this afternoon for the iconic 1981 album Anthem.

There was also another episode of Toyah At Home this morning, as well as Toyah’s Album Escapes. Read Toyah’s HMV Record Collection interview, and win a Sheep Farming In Barnet reissue rarity.

Keep an eye on Toyah at Twitter for more National Album Day news and updates. Click below for the Anthem Listening Party venue, taking place from 3pm today.

Billy Ocean, Blossoms, La Roux, The Psychedelic Furs & Toyah Willcox

National Album Day will return for its third edition on Saturday 10 October with the perfect antidote to lockdown blues – a celebration of arguably music’s greatest decade, the Eighties!

Toyah Willcox, who emerged from post-punk to become one of the defining voices of the 80s, said: “I am supporting National Album Day because it is important that future generations do not miss out on the fantastic experience of listening to a whole album of songs…A culture could be lost if listeners never experience how life changing it is to discover a hidden gem not deemed worthy of being a single by a record company, ie Bowie’s ‘Lady Grinning Soul’ on Aladdin Sane. When I heard this song I felt the artist was speaking directly to me. Listening to an entire album is enriching and allows the listener precious time to connect with creativity… Albums are akin to a great book, a great party, a brilliant day in the park…they are the whole meal.”

• Continue reading at the National Album Day website.

An uplifting morning of music and chat today from Toyah, Chris, Andy, John and Mike. Click below to watch, or re-watch, an hour + of Toyah Live In Your Living Room at You Tube.

Tune in at Toyah’s official Facebook, You Tube or Twitter channels for an exclusive hour of music and Q&A this Saturday at 11am. All your favourite hits and chat. Click below for the links.

The Serbian Council of Great Britain held an online fundraising concert on Sunday 3rd May 2020 as a call to action during the COVID Crisis. Toyah supported the cause by performing It’s A Mystery.

• Click on the screen shots below to see/hear Toyah’s full performance (begins 11m into the clip). Visit the crowdfunding page here.

Catch up with Toyah & Chris Wong’s special live event from earlier today. This included the World Premiere of new track 21st Century Schizoid Man, a Bill Rieflin Tribute and a Live Q&A.

Join Toyah & Chris Wong for a special live event 11am, Sat 2nd May on Twitter (or Facebook). World Premiere of new track 21st Century Schizoid Man, Bill Rieflin Tribute, unseens videos, Live Q&A – ask your question using #askToyah – Click below for further details.

Tune into Toyah’s official Facebook at 11:00am on Sat 2nd May for a special live hour with Toyah & Chris Wong. There’ll be some announcements, a chance to ask questions plus content you’ve never seen before.

Derek Jarman (1942-1994) is known as one of our most poetic and anarchic film-makers and artists, as well as a prominent gay rights activist. He started his career as a stage designer, working as Ken Russell’s production designer for “The Devils” 1971.

Art Fund needs to raise £3.5m by 31 March 2020 to purchase Jarman’s Dungeness house, Prospect Cottage, and to establish a permanently funded programme to conserve and maintain the building, its contents and its garden for the future. More than 25 years after his death, Prospect Cottage continues to be a site of pilgrimage for people from all over the world who come to be inspired by its stark beauty a Jarman’s legacy. The cottage and its contents are now being sold following the death in 2018 of Keith Collins, Jarman’s close companion in his final years, to whom he bequeathed the cottage.

More than 3,000 people have donated to the Art Fund’s campaign to save Prospect Cottage in its first two weeks. Find out more and donate on the Art Fund website.

Book tickets for Glitterbug fundraising screening
To help with the cause to save Jarman’s cottage, we’re screening his 1993 film Glitterbug on Sunday 22 March at 4.30pm. The event will include a special introduction by Derek Brown, Art Director (The Garden). Glitterbug features Adam Ant, William S. Burroughs, Michael Clark, Duggie Fields, Derek Jarman, Andrew Logan, Genesis P-Orridge, Tilda Swinton and Toyah Willcox.

• Continue reading/Further info at the Electric Palace website. Visit the “Save Prospect Cottage” Art Fund campaign page here.

There was a brief glimpse of Toyah on ITV’s The BRITS at 40 last night. She was presenting an award at the 1985 show, which was called the BPI Awards back then (previously known as The British Rock & Pop Awards). Last night’s programme was a fairly dire two hours but here’s a great photo of Toyah from the 1985 awards.

Square Chapel Arts Centre’s LGBTQ+ History Month, with a series of live events and special film screenings, got underway yesterday – with a screening of Jubilee, followed by a Q&A with Toyah and then an electro-acoustic gig by Toyah. (Photos © Square Chapel Arts Centre)