A still from the new film, Three Sides Of The Coin, a psychological thriller by RTS Films which Toyah was on set last week filming. The film also stars Colin Buchanan, best known for playing Pascoe in BBC1’s Dalziel & Pascoe, and in the lead role as Emma, Jo Woodcock (pictured with Toyah), best known for roles in Torn and Tess of the D’Urbervilles. View a larger version of the photo here. (Photo © Cydson Racing/Jo Woodcock)
Toyah’s full interview, from September’s Time Out Live Quadrophenia Reunion is now available to watch at HiBROW: The Arts Online website.
Toyah discusses how she got the part of Monkey in Quadrophenia, the audition process, working with Director Franc Roddam, screen testing with John Lydon, kissing Phil Daniels, filming the huge riot scenes in Brighton, and her memories of the period the film was set in. She also talks about the other films she made during the late 1970s, in particular The Corn Is Green.
• Watch the full interview at HiBROW.
HiBROW: The Arts Online are currently airing a mini Quadrophenia documentary at their website, with footage from last month’s Time Out Live Quadrophenia Reunion and excerpts from interviews. They will be making the full Toyah interview available soon.
It’s 35 years since director Franc Roddam shot ‘Quadrophenia’ on the streets of London and Brighton – and along the way created a classic of British cinema adored by music and film fans alike. Inspired by the 1973 The Who album of the same name, the film tells of Jimmy (Phil Daniels), a troubled west London mod in 1965 who’s struggling in life and love and joins his mates for a dust-up with rockers one Bank Holiday weekend down in Brighton. Last month, HiBROW with Time Out and the London Film School brought Roddam and some of his key collaborators together …
• Watch at HiBROW. View larger versions of the screen caps here.
• Magazines: There are Toyah interviews in two new, just and just about to be published, magazines: ‘Vive Le Rock’ (September/October 2013 issue) and ‘Respect Magazine’ (October 2013 issue).
• Vive Le Rock: A CBGBs special, Issue #14. September/October 2013, includes a one-page interview with Toyah. View a l/q preview of the article here, and order online at their website or locate where the magazine is stocked near you. (Thanks to Jimi LaLumia)
• Respect Magazine: The cover for Issue 22 of ‘Respect’ has just been made available. Toyah is interviewed inside the “Respect Goes Pop” issue, and her name appears on the cover. The magazine will be published online soon here…
• Time Out: Now. Here. This.: Time Out film editor Dave Calhoun sits down with the cast and crew of this legendary street-tough British drama. Director Franc Roddam (he created Masterchef, fact fans) and stars Philip Davis and Toyah Willcox will be among those looking back on a true national treasure, the tale of a young working class mod’s struggle with the mounting pressures of fitting in, growing up, rocking out and getting laid. It’s not cheap, but it’ll be well worth it – Continue reading…
• Time Out: Events: The best film events in London this week: One-off screenings, festivals, seasons, double-bills and more. Each week we bring you the very best of London’s alternative film events – ‘Quadrophenia’ + Q&A – Continue reading…
• Pictureville: Cast and crew of Quadophenia to gather at Ciné Lumière: Ciné Lumière and the London Film School are presenting a special screening of Quadrophenia, attended by members of the cast and crew, on Monday 23 September, as part of the ongoing ‘Classic Cinema: The Reunion’ series – Continue reading…
A trio of Toyah news posts from The Official Toyah Willcox Website:
• TOYAH CONTRIBUTES WRITING TO NEW DEREK JARMAN BOOK: Toyah contributes to a brand new publication Derek Jarman’s Sketchbooks, published by Thames & Hudson this September. Toyah acted in two of Jarman’s features films in the roles of Mad in Jubilee and an Evening Standard Best Newcomer Award-nominated performance of Miranda in the director’s re-imagining of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Toyah wrote the piece for Chapter 3 ‘Jubilee to The Angelic Conversation 1978-1985’ – Continue reading at www.toyahwillcox.com – View further details of the book at Thames & Hudson.
• TOYAH REUNITES WITH QUADROPENIA DIRECTOR FOR SCREENING & Q&A: How has Quadrophenia influenced British cinema and pop culture? Why don’t collaborations between musicians and filmmakers always work this well? And why do we insist on referring to one of the most popular films of its era as a ‘cult classic’? Find out on 23 September at this special screening and discussion, the second in the ‘Classic Cinema: The Reunion’ series presented by the London Film School and Ciné Lumière in association with Time Out Live! – Continue reading at www.toyahwillcox.com – Buy tickets online here.
• TOYAH JOINS V&A CLUB TO CATWALK IN CONVERSATION EVENT: The recently opened V&A exhibition Club To Catwalk features an in-depth look through the fashions, looks and iconic styles of the 1980 and includes a 1981 outfit designed by Melissa Kaplan for Toyah. Toyah will join a panel including Caryn Franklin and Brix Start-Smith at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London on Friday 8 November in an exclusive in-conversation event, designed by women for women. Join Caryn, Toyah and Brix as they bring their thoughts, ideas, experiences and memories to a discussion on women who developed, fused and influenced fashion and music in 1980s London – Continue reading at www.toyahwillcox.com – View further details on the ‘In Conversation’ event here.
Quadrophenia launches the 2013/14 Calgary Cinematheque season, showing this coming Wednesday. Here are a couple of reports.
• CJSW.com: An Outdoor Screening: Quadrophenia: Join us for a one-time-only, outdoor screening of Franc Roddam’s 1979 film, Quadrophenia to launch the 2013/14 Calgary Cinematheque season. Prior to the screening, enjoy the Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market, and HSCA member and guest beer and wine garden. “Set against the soundtrack of The Who’s 1973 mighty concept album “Quadrophenia”, Phil Daniels plays working-class Jimmy, the drug-induced Mod, who hates his job and is misunderstood by his parents – Continue reading…
• Calgary Herald: The Poseur’s Guide to Quadrophenia: Mods and rockers should hop on their scooters and motorcycles and get down to the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre Wednesday. Once there, the two camps need to put aside ancient enmities long enough (a little over two hours) to enjoy Calgary Cinematheque’s screening of Quadrophenia, the 1979 film based on The Who’s 1973 album of the same name. Poseurs, on the other hand, need to study up, then hop on the bus or their bicycles – Continue reading…
While on the subject of ‘Lion of Symmetry’ and Lorca & The Outlaws (see Newsy Bits below) – The full film is available to watch at You Tube, under its other name, Starship. Made in 1984, Toyah appears briefly in the film, on a holographic video jukebox in the “Miram Bar”, performing ‘Lion Of Symmetry’, a collaboration with Tony Banks, included on his ‘Soundtracks’ album from 1985. Listen here and view the songwords.
• If you only want to see Toyah, she appears at approximately 58 minutes into the film!
• Brighton’s Big Screen: Quadrophenia: The classic movie is showing in Brighton next month – Another MOD invasion hits Brighton Beach this August Bank Holiday Sunday. At 7pm on Sunday 25th August before the showing of Quadrophenia, Rock ‘n’ Roll Productions, in association with Brighton’s Big Screen are presenting, for ONE NIGHT ONLY, a very special preview performance of: All Or Nothing The Mod Musical – Continue reading…
• Lion of Symmetry: There’s an obscure instrumental of this mid-80s Toyah song at CD Baby. It’s by a Dutch synth musician who is a huge Tony Banks fan – Listen here to a preview… (Thanks to Giddy Gavin – Have a wonderful brave new world in Wales Gavin x)
• Fragile Humans: Rare footage of Toyah recording the This Fragile Moment album in Estonia, June 2009 – Watch at You Tube…
• Northern Pride 2013: A great selection of photos, including over a dozen of Toyah onstage in Newcastle last weekend – View at flickr…
• Jack Up The 80s: The times and running order for next month’s festival has been announced. Toyah plays on Sunday 11th August at 4pm – View more info…
• Thunder in The Mountains: The stormy weather caused many mentions of TITM on Twitter this week! Most notably was Record Collector Magazine – “RC tuned to Toyah’s euphoric Thunder In The Mountains. Not to mention in urban industrial wastelands.” – View at Twitter…
• Tatton Park Picnic Concerts 2013: Toyah backstage with Gallowglass security man Vince at last weekend’s Tatton concert – View at Twitter…
• You Tubing: Toyah talks dyslexia and the Dore Programme. I think this is from a few years ago but has just been uploaded – Watch at You Tube…
• The Producers’ Forum: Members’ & Colleagues’ News, July Week 2: Debbie Isitt Event – Tom Lawes ( Electric Flix) who sponsored the event brought his neighbour Toyah Willcox!!..can you spot her? – Continue reading… (Thanks to Sara)
The Corn is Green: True Movies 1: Wednesday 31st July: 3.00am
The Corn is Green: True Movies 1: Sunday 4th August: 5.00am
Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn stars as a schoolteacher determined to help the people of a turn-of-the-century Welsh mining town. With Ian Saynor, Bill Fraser, Patricia Hayes, Anna Massey, Artro Morris, Dorothea Phillips, Toyah Willcox, Huw Richards, Bryn Fon, Dyfan Roberts and Robin John. Directed by: George Cukor (1979).
• The Crack: We’re Here! We’re Queer! We’re Watching A Nice Bit Of Toyah!: Toyah! Amelia! Katrina! (From the Waves)! Someone pretending to be Steps! It can only mean that Newcastle Pride 2013 is nigh and about to shower you in excitement… And then there is Toyah. She scored huge success in the 80s with hits such as “It’s A Mystery”, “Thunder In The Mountains” and “I Want To Be Free” but here she’ll be showing off her experimental drone-noise (only kidding – she’ll be playing the hits).
• Bring The Noise: Film Feature: Top 5 Motorbike Movies: Quadrophenia: Perhaps more of a moped, rather than motorbike film but this 1979 film by Franc Roddam remains an iconic moment in British cinema. Starring Phil Daniels, Mark Wingett, Philip Davies, Lesley Ash, Toyah Willcox and, er… Sting…
• BBC Radio Solent: Read a full transcript of Toyah’s recent interview on Alex Dyke’s show at The Toyah Willcox Interview Archive.
• Tomorrow Calling: The 1993 short film Toyah starred in, Tomorrow Calling, played at the ‘Love Architecture Festival’ in Marget-On-Sea last Sunday: A short film adaptation of William Gibson’s The Gernsback Continuum. Bill is shooting architectural photographs of ‘futuristic’ buildings of the 1930s for a coffee table book, but as he frames up a deco bingo hall, a vast airship looms overhead… starring Colin Salmon, Don Henderson and Toyah Wilcox. 12 minutes duration, certificate 15.
• Midlands Today: A short interview with Toyah, on Midlands Today, at Melissa Mailer-Yates’ exhibition in 2008 just uploaded to ‘You Tube’.
A new article on The Power Of Three. The film has its Canadian premiere this weekend.
Getting The Power of Three made into a feature-length film on a shoestring budget was a labour of love for all involved.And according to its Lake Country-based writer/producer, it’s also a case of art imitating life.
“It was basically a decision of three friends to make a movie that people our age would like,” said Ann Cameron, who wrote the screenplay and produced it. “So before we wised up and knew any better, that’s what we did.”
Set for it’s Canadian premiere June 29 at Creekside Theatre, The Power of Three is a feel-good comedy about three 50-something actresses who reunite after many years apart, with the idea of making a film and resurrecting their moribund careers at the same time. Filmed in and around Hampstead, London, England in 2009-10, it stars British actress Toyah Willcox as Michelle, South African native Brumilda Van Rensburg as Olivia and Cameron’s first cousin, Torontonian Robin Craig of Wind at My Back and Degrassi fame as Lizzie.
• Continue reading at The Daily Courier. View Dreamscape’s recent news on the film here.
• Deep Space Works: PJ Crook: Art galleries and private collections worldwide exhibit the paintings of PJ Crook. There is a series of work that has been used for the album covers for the band King Crimson and many from the music world namely Robert Fripp, Toyah Willcox, Peter Gabriel, Billy Joel, and Holly Johnson collect her work.
• Vintage TV: The music channel is helping support Toyah’s forthcoming ‘Love Is the Law & More’ Tour by including a report and the dates, along with a recent live photo, at their website.
• King’s Heath Walk of Fame: Laying Toyah’s Star: The video of the story of Toyah’s star has been reposted at ‘You Tube’. Watch here. (Thanks to Bob Prew)
• Fandor: Punk Films, Revisited: Famed British Derek Jarman found a muse in the music when he directed his second feature Jubilee, a denatured fantasy about Queen Elizabeth I being transported to an apocalyptic future.
• Quadrophenia: Not only are Toyah and Robert on Australian TV this week in Love & Marriage (see below) but Quadrophenia also aired “Down Under” last night on ABC. More info from Guide TV. (Thanks to Richard Featherstone)
• Live 2013: Toyah made her second live (music) appearance of the year on Saturday, a full band concert at the Bunn Leisure entertainment complex in Selsey, West Sussex. Toyah tweeted: “First gig of year with band 2nite. Can’t wait. It will b fun! And it will b very hot!”
• Yeah Synthpop!: A couple of posts for Toyah at the synthpop page.
The Corn is Green: True Movies 1: Thursday 6th June: 1.00am
The Corn is Green: True Movies 2: Thursday 6th June: 9.00am
Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn stars as a schoolteacher determined to help the people of a turn-of-the-century Welsh mining town. With Ian Saynor, Bill Fraser, Patricia Hayes, Anna Massey, Artro Morris, Dorothea Phillips, Toyah Willcox, Huw Richards, Bryn Fon, Dyfan Roberts and Robin John. Directed by: George Cukor (1979).
• It’s A Mystery: Following on from the fantastic ‘Mystery’ (Soft Mix by The Sonic Healer) comes another two, unofficial, remixes of ‘It’s A Mystery’, both just made available online this week. These don’t stray too far from the original, simply just extending the classic song. Listen at Magnum’s 1980s Extended Edits & Remixes.
• Uncut: Robert Fripp steals the show in David Bowie documentary: I don’t know if you saw it, but BBC2’s David Bowie documentary, Five Years, screened at the weekend, was very entertaining.
• Louder Than War: Top 10 Punk Rock Films: Jubilee: Derek Jarman’s 1978 film is as utterly ridiculous and campily bizarre as one of the several strands of early punk itself, Jubilee is a fascinating and ageing curio of the times and the reflection of one of the UK’s most imaginative film directors.
• Jubilee Art: While on the subject of Jubilee, some digital art by Neveryan at deviantart.com.
• Tanzi Libre: The original production, Trafford Tanzi, premiered at Contact Theatre in Manchester in 1980 before playing at the Edinburgh Festival and touring. It played at West End’s Mermaid Theatre starring Toyah Willcox in the title role and then later, on Broadway, as Tuebrook Tanzi: The Venus Fly Trap, starring Debbie Harry with Andy Kaufman as the Referee.
• Night Fever: Meanwhile in the 90s, Toyah and Sam Kane perform ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ in this, long forgotten, Channel 5 show presented by Suggs.
These Safari Records photos were recently on sale at ebay. The photos aren’t rare these days but as Safari promos they are quite unique. This was possibly the only time Safari released photos that promoted Toyah as an actress (in The Corn Is Green).
Incidentally, The Corn Is Green airs very early tomorrow (and also in June) on True Movies.
The Corn is Green: True Movies 2: Friday 24th May: 1.00am
The Corn is Green: True Movies 1: Thursday 6th June: 1.00am
Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn stars as a schoolteacher determined to help the people of a turn-of-the-century Welsh mining town. With Ian Saynor, Bill Fraser, Patricia Hayes, Anna Massey, Artro Morris, Dorothea Phillips, Toyah Willcox, Huw Richards, Bryn Fon, Dyfan Roberts and Robin John. Directed by: George Cukor (1979).
• Scunthorpe Telegraph: Toyah Willcox starring at Scunthorpe Baths Hall on Thursday: A new interview with Toyah: Stepping inside the mind of a woman is a scary thought for some men. But if you want to imagine what it is like for us girls, this show will give you an idea.
• Chester Chronicle: Toyah Willcox to star in Hormonal Housewives at Crewe Lyceum: Pop icon Toyah Willcox will be in South Cheshire later this month when the irrepressible Hormonal Housewives head for Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre
• Instagram: Check out the latest photos Toyah has instagrammed!.
• The Toyah Willcox Interview Archive: Read full transcripts of Toyah’s interviews from Keith Middleton’s Late Show from BBC Radio Shropshire in early March and Justin Moorhouse on BBC Radio Manchester from the beginning of April.
• Rock the Stadium: Toyah, Five Star, Altered Images, Midge Ure, Paul Young and many others will “Rock The Stadium” in Falkirk on Saturday 22nd June.
• Dangerous Minds: Films and Filming: Original photo-spread for Derek Jarman’s Jubilee.
A few more Jubilee photos from 1977 and very early ’78. View these, the last lot posted a couple of weeks ago, and a few more at Dreamscape’s Gallery. (Thanks to Andi)
• An Occasional Plug: I Was A Teenage Toyah Fan chronicles a slice of adolescent life from late 1979 to late 1986 and recalls the experience of being a pop music fan in the early eighties, evoking the feelings of a very different time before the internet, mobile phones or multi-channel TV put media at our fingertips.
• Strawberry Line Times: Sat 27 Apr. Theatre preview: ex punk Toyah teams up with Julie Coombe for a hormonal moment: The former pink haired punk rocker Toyah Willcox is appearing in Bristol next month in Hormonal Housewives. She stars in the show at the Bristol Hippodrome with Julie Coombe.
• Robert Fripp’s Diary: Lots of “behind-the-scenes” photos from the ‘At Home’ part of the forthcoming All Star Mr & Mrs programme. Robert says: “A four-hour visit for perhaps two minutes of screentime“. Looks like the adorable Willyfred was ready for his close up!
• Red Funnel: Jack Up The 80s: 10-11 August 2013. Don’t miss this great new 2 day 80’s music event featuring Heaven 17, Bad Manners, Katrina and the Waves, Bootleg Blondie and Toyah to name just a few.
• _Black_Acrylic: Derek Jarman – Jubilee: 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 Quietus: Adam Ant On Fashion, Back-Carving & MJ: Interesting video interview with Adam in which he also talks about Jubilee.
• BBC America Doctor Who Specials: Three of the documentaries Toyah guested in last year, The Women Of Doctor Who, The Timey Wimey Of Doctor Who, The Destinations Of Doctor Who, have been released on R1 DVD. Although they are on a standalone disc with its own artwork (see photo) they can only be purchased as part of a huge, 41-disc, six-series spanning, box set. View more info on the BBC America DW specials here.
• Birmingham Music Heritage (Untold Stories 1965-1985): Below, Toyah Willcox, Fuzz Townshend of Pop Will Eat Itself, and former Black Sabbath manager Jim Simpson, along with Birmingham band manager and promoter, Barry Tomes talk about Birmingham’s venues of the 60s, 70s and 80s.
The Canadian premiere of The Power Of Three takes place at the Creekside Theatre in Lake Country BC (Winfield) on Saturday 29th June. Doors open at 6pm for PreShow: Wine and Dessert bar, Art Gallery & More!
The “LIFE AFTER LAUNDRY” Ladies CLUB presents – The Power Of Three
“The Power of Three is a delightful anecdote about friendship, perseverance and hope that celebrates the strength of the older woman.” Studio Magazine, UK
Toyah plays Michelle, one of three leading characters, in the film. View the trailer, and read a short review by Steve Riley, who saw the film in Brooklyn last April.
• Further info at Creekside Theatre’s website (foot of page).
Rare photos from The Tempest. Toyah played Miranda in the 1979 film and her performance won her a nomination as Best Newcomer at the 1980 Evening Standard Awards. Click below to view these photos, and more, at Dreamscape’s Gallery. (A huge thanks to Andi for these)
Rare photos from the filming of Jubilee in 1977. The film premiered in February 1978 and is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. Click below to view larger versions of the photos. Browse Dreamscape’s recent Jubilee news here. (Thanks to Andi)
