Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

Alex Hurst – Observer Mondays Director – gives us an insight into the first week of rehearsals for Jubilee, directed by Chris Goode. Click below to read.

Kim Wilde and her band will be joined by special guests Lawnmower Deth, Carol Decker and Toyah for their Wilde Wild Christmas Show at Manchester O2 Ritz on Thursday 22nd December 2017. Tickets are available by clicking below.

This November, our friends at The Royal Exchange Theatre are staging a free-spirited and gloriously rude reimagining of Derek Jarman’s classic punk movie Jubilee.

The Royal Exchange Theatre are looking for a group of participants to take part in the show, specifically to perform in a key scene set in an outrageous underground club venue.

They are seeking a diverse range of people – from club kids to fetish fans; queer teens to drag queens; New Romantic throwbacks to old-school riot grrrls; and old punks and young punks alike. The Royal Exchange Theatre are looking to represent a real variety of cultural backgrounds, body types, ages and styles.

• Continue reading at Superbia.

A free-spirited, gloriously rude, take-no-prisoners blast of a show with a soundtrack to die for. Marking the 40th anniversary of Derek Jarman’s iconic film, the Royal Exchange’s world premiere of Chris Goode’s stage adaptation of Jubilee is here.

This is set to appeal to young punks, old punks, and anyone who’s ever wanted to set the world on fire.

A marauding girl gang are on a killing spree and a time-travelling Queen Elizabeth I. Her Majesty is played by original film cast member and legendary punk warrior Toyah Willcox.

This has an electrifying ensemble cast, including Lucy Ellinson as Ariel and Travis Alabanza as Amyl. They are re-imagining Jubilee for a 2017 audience. A co-production with Chris Goode & Company, this riot of a show will run from 2 – 18 November.

Chris Goode is a writer, director, performer and musician. Since 2011 Chris has been lead artist of Chris Goode & Company. His work with CGC has included two (of his four) Fringe First award-winning shows.

Toyah Willcox has avoided categorisation for 41 years. She is an award-winning singer/ songwriter/ actress with multiple silver/gold/platinum albums under her belt. Toyah’s career started at the National Theatre when she was 18. It was there where she formed her first band named TOYAH and took the punk scene by storm. It even managed to avoid categorisation within the movement, and successfully pushed out the boundaries for women in music.

Derek Jarman was an English film director, stage designer, diarist, artist, gardener and author.

• Continue reading at The Nubian Times.

Derek Jarman and Aeschylus: the theatre to book now for November

The best new plays in London and Manchester

Jubilee, Royal Exchange, Manchester: 2nd to 18th Nov

Another film adapdation this time of  Jubliee, Derek Jarman’s 1978 punk movie. It was as wild and outrageous as it was imaginative, with Elizabeth I time-travelling to hear Anarchy in the UK and a murderous girl gang listening to New Wave music. One of the girls was Toyah Willcox, now returning to the scene of the crime as Gloriana in Chris Goode’s stage adaptation celebrating the film’s rebellious spirit.

• Continue reading at Prospect Magazine.

This year’s North East Ladies Day Anniversary Luncheon took place on Wednesday 20th September 2017 at the prestigious Hardwick Hall Hotel and it was an amazing day, enjoyed by over 500 ladies.  This marked our 35th Annual Luncheon since NELD began in 1981.  The day was superbly hosted by Toyah Willcox who filled the room with laughter and joy throughout her entire talk.  Toyah gave the audience insight into her very successful acting and singing career, ending her speech with a live performance of It’s a Mystery.

Each of our ladies enjoyed a beautiful three course lunch and had the full day to shop and win prizes at over 20 different stalls.  Our Grand Prize Draw also offered over 15 ladies the opportunity to win a wonderful prize too.

• Continue reading at NELD. (Photo © NELD)

Toyah Willcox In Conversation with Dave Haslam
15 November 2017

The original punk princess Toyah Willcox, is interviewed by legendary Manchester DJ, journalist and author Dave Haslam during her run as Elizabeth I in the Royal Exchange Theatre’s production of JUBILEE.

From award-winning rock legend to critcally acclaimed cult actress of stage, film and TV, Toyah’s eclectic, outspoken and colourful career spans over 40 years, amassing thirteen top 40 singles, twenty-four albums, two books, over forty stage plays and fifteen feature films (working alongside Sir Laurence Olivier and Katherine Hepburn).

Toyah will explore her creative beginnings playing MAD in Derek Jarman’s seminal punk art house film, JUBILEE, her dominance of the 80s music and fashion scene, and her evolution and endurance as a much loved actress, performer and household name.

• Continue reading at Royal Exchange Theatre.

Rewind have announced details on their festivals for 2017. Toyah will play at Rewind North on Saturday 5th August.

• Broadway World: Rewind 2017 The World’s Biggest 80s Festival Announces 3 UK Festival Line-Ups: Tickets for all three festivals will go on sale at 9am on Friday January 27th from the official website rewindfestival.com – Continue reading…

• Stereoboard: Rewind The ’80s Music Festival Returns In 2017: Rewind revisits Scone Palace, Perth in Scotland between July 21 and 23, Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire for the fourth year between August 4 and 6, and Temple Island Meadows in Henley-on-Thames for its ninth year between August 18 and 20 – Continue reading…

• Rewind North 2017: Visit the official festival website for full line-up, more info and ticket booking links (from Friday), here…

• Noble PR: Rewind The 80s Music Festival, the world’s first and biggest 80s music festival, is back for 2017 at Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield for the fourth year with a fantastic line up featuring the biggest acts of the 1980’s – Continue reading…

• Heart: Win Tickets To Rewind Festival: We have one pair of weekend tickets up for grabs to the world’s biggest 80s music festival at Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire in August – More details…

• Toyah @ Twitter: “I’ll be performing live at @rewindfestival North on Sat 5 Aug! Line-up announced for the festival at http://www.rewindfestival.com” – Continue reading…

Toyah will guest at another Our Disappearing Planet event later this year – Taking place at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre on Saturday 20th May 2017.

The latest 10th Planet autograph event includes dozens of guests from sci-fi and film.

Our Disappearing Planet, Autograph Show 2, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre,
Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ | Doors Open 10am – 5pm

• Further info at tenthplanetevents.co.uk.

The Electric Palace in Hastings, East Sussex is holding a Jubilee evening in March, with a screening of the film and a Q&A with Amyl Nitrite herself, Pamela Rooke, aka Jordan.

Fri 24 Mar – 7.30pm JUBILEE (18)

Derek Jarman, 1978, 100mins, UK. Plus Q&A hosted by Ted Polhemus with Jordan aka Pamela Rooke.

Queen Elizabeth I is transported through time from 1578 to 1978, where she sees what has become of her once glorious kingdom: law and order have broken down, punks roam the streets, decay eats away at the fabric of society. With a cast featuring Adam Ant and Toyah Willcox in a vivid postapocalyptic urban landscape, this is the ultimate punk movie. Bar serving special seasonal drinks after the screening. All tickets £10.

• Visit the Electric Palace website. See a list of forthcoming screenings/events via their downloadable brochure.

Blackburn Film Club presents Jubilee on Tuesday 21st February 2017. At the Bureau Centre for the Arts.

Jubilee is a 1978 cult film directed by Derek Jarman. It stars Jenny Runacre, Ian Charleson and a host of punk rockers, including Adam Ant and Toyah. The title refers to the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II in 1977.

The film is heavily influenced by the 1970s punk aesthetic in its style and presentation. Shot in grainy colour, it is largely plotless and episodic. Location filming took advantage of London neighbourhoods that were economically depressed and/or still contained large amounts of rubble from the London Blitz.

• More info on this event at Visit Blackburn.

Toyah is currently painting a giant hare, as part of the Cirencester March Hare Festival 2017.

The Hare Festival runs from March 25th to September 10th 2017. You too can get involved in next year’s event, by becoming a sponsor, buying merchandise, decorating your own hare, and/or supporting via a donation.

• View Toyah’s tweet about this, and click here for further information on the festival.

Great photos by Damon King from Toyah Willcox and the Great British Panto, the festive event held at the V&A, London last Tuesday evening. Click below to view more photos from the discussion between Toyah and Simon Sladen. (Photos © Damon King)

Toyah Willcox and Don Maclean have both been honoured on the Birmingham Walk Of Stars.

Singer, actress and punk icon Toyah, originally from King’s Heath, attended a special presentation alongside Birmingham-born actor Maclean. Jasper Carrott, who has his own star, presented the Walk of Stars Awards with Birmingham Council leader, Councillor John Clancy.

Toyah, now 58, said: “I am thrilled to be receiving a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars. Having spent my childhood and teenage years in this great city, I developed my love of music and theatre here, thanks to all the great music venues and theatres available within the one city.”

• Continue reading at the Express & Star. (Photo © Express & Star)

Quadrophenia star and singer Toyah Willcox awarded a star on Broad Street

The Kings Heath born singer and actress was awarded a star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars in Broad Street.

Singer and actress Toyah Willcox was last night Sunday December 11, awarded a star on Birmingham’s Walk of Stars in Broad Street. The 58 year old was awarded the star along with Brum born comedian Don Maclean who appeared in BBC television series Crackerjack with Michael Aspel, Peter Glaze and Jan Hunt in the 1970s.

The pair were awarded their stars during a special show hosted by Walk of Stars’ chairman Jasper Carrott at the Birmingham Rep Theatre. Toyah who was born in Kings Heath, shot to fame playing Monkey in the 1979 cult classic Quadrophenia. She also had a successful music career spanning 30 years including hits “It’s a Mystery”, “Thunder in the Mountains” and “I Want to Be Free” as well as 20 top selling albums. Toyah studied at Old Rep Drama School in Birmingham.

Looking back at her time there she said: “Already by then I was known in Birmingham for being the oddball that walked around with dyed hair. And you’ve got to remember that this is pre-punk, this was about 1973–74” At the event Toyah said “ I’m so proud and so excited. All my friends,family and fans are here. I feel Birmingham has done me proud today. I’m very grateful thank you.”

• Continue reading at the Birmingham Mail. View a great collection of photos from the Birmingham Walk of Stars event at Flickr. (Photo © Birmingham Mail)

Toyah performed I Believe in Father Christmas live today for the very first time at the Birmingham Walk of Stars event. She was also interviewed by ITV Central and BBC Midlands. See photos from today’s ceremony/concert at Instagram and Facebook.

Toyah’s home town of Birmingham acknowledged her 40-year career and contribution to music, drama and performing today by awarding her with a place on the Broad Street Walk of Stars…

Toyah guests at the V&A on Tuesday, as part of their Christmas festivities for 2016, discussing panto with Simon Sladen of the British Theatre Guide.

• Discover South Kensington: Christmas in South Kensington: Join Toyah Willcox as part of the V&A’s Christmas Festivities as she celebrates one of her and Britain’s best loved artforms: the pantomine – Continue reading…

• All About London: December events at the V&A: Join actress, singer and celebrated pantomine performer Toyah Willcox as she celebrates one of her and Britain’s best loved artforms. Toyah will be in conversation with Senior Curator and Pantomime Editor of the British Theatre Guide, Simon Sladen – Continue reading…

• Toyah Willcox and the Great British Panto: Further information on this V&A Christmas event, and ticket booking are available here…

Toyah Willcox and Don Maclean take their place on Birmingham Walk of Stars, hosted by Jaspar Carrott

Two of Birmingham’s theatrical stars will light up the city with a special presentation on Sunday. Fans can join host Jasper Carrott as Toyah Willcox and Don Maclean take their place on the Birmingham Walk Of Stars

Birmingham Council leader, Councillor John Clancy, will present Walk of Stars Awards to singer and actress Toyah and comedian and actor Maclean. Both artists will also perform at the show.

• Continue reading at the Express and Star.

Check out some fantastic, and colourful, items of jewellery – owned by Toyah – for sale at Lovely’s Vintage Emporium. Get festive by clicking below.

Heather Phillipson has won the coveted annual Film London Jarman Award, announced at a special event at London’s Whitechapel Gallery. She receives £10,000 prize money, as well as a commission for Channel 4’s Random Acts strand.

The Award was presented by charismatic and outspoken performer Toyah Willcox, who began her film career in 1977 when film director Derek Jarman offered her the role of ‘Mad’ in his seminal punk epic Jubilee.

Heather Phillipson was chosen from a distinguished shortlist of artists featuring Sophia Al Maria, Cécile B. Evans, Shona Illingworth, Mikhail Karikis and Rachel Maclean. All six artists will receive a film commission for Channel 4’s short-form arts strand Random Acts.

• Continue reading at Film London. More photos at Film London Twitter. (Photo © Film London)