Quadrophenia – Our Generation: Sky Arts: Saturday 29th August: 9pm
Quadrophenia – Our Generation: Sky Arts: Wednesday 2nd September: 00.30am
Celebrity fans and cast members come together to shed light on the making of Quadrophenia and explore the legacy that the cult film has left behind, 40 years after its release. (Photo © Sky Arts)
A selection of production photos from, the forthcoming film, The Ghosts Of Borley Rectory. Directed by Steven M Smith, Toyah plays Estelle Roberts, a Spiritualist Medium. It also stars Colin Baker and Christopher Ellinson. The film is currently in post production with a release date tbc for 2021. Click on the photos for larger versions. (Photos © Greenway Films)
Quadrophenia: Film 4: Friday 31st July: 1.20am
Quadrophenia: TCM Movies: Monday 3rd August: 11pm
Quadrophenia: TCM Movies: Saturday 8th August: 9pm
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone.
Doll House, directed by Steven M. Smith (Doll Cemetery, The Howling, The Doll Master, Haunted), was officially released on 21st July in USA & Canada on DVD and digital platforms.
Starring Toyah Willcox (Invasion Planet Earth, Quadrophenia), Mark Wingett (The Bill, Quadrophenia), Louisa Warren, Jennifer Leahey and Paul Danan (Hollyoaks, Are We Dead Yet?).
Brave New World was song of the week on the fifth episode of Toyah At Home, which aired at Toyah’s official You Tube channel yesterday.
Toyah performed a live version of the iconic 1982 single and also discussed the song and the album it is included on, The Changeling.
There was a cameo appearance from Robert at the beginning of the episode. Toyah also talked about what her 1980 self would ask her today; anything she would do differently in her early career; an alternative career; her bucket list; writing new songs; Quadrophenia and what Monkey would have been doing 40 years later; the (non Toyah) song that inspired passion in her; the iconic artwork, make-up and photo shoots; and the TV play Little Girls Don’t.
• Click below to watch/re-watch Toyah At Home: Episode #5, which closes with an archive live performance of I Explode…
Info from Saturday’s third instalment of Toyah At Home, which aired at Toyah’s official You Tube channel.
• It’s A Mystery: from Toyah’s second EP was the song of the morning. She talked about her reaction when first hearing the song, written by Keith Hale of Blood Donor, and how it ultimately changed her life.
• The Humans: “It’s Humans day!!” said Toyah, and a very quick look at all of the Toyah & The Humans releases – Four vinyls and a great box set. Toyah mentioned Bill Rieflin wanted to call it “The Humans’ Greatest Hits”.
• Derek Jarman: Toyah talked about her experiences working with the late writer/director on the films from her early career; Jubilee and The Tempest.
• The Tempest: Detailed discussion on working on this film. Lots of memories from Toyah, including two wonderful keepsakes Derek Jarman gave her at the end of filming, and playing Miranda as a wild child. Toyah said: “The Tempest for me was one of the most important films of my career“, and her introduction to Shakespeare.
• Making Movies in Los Angeles: Toyah talked about relocating, or more to the point not relocating, to the USA for acting work, and whether her younger self would have done so now if she had the opportunity.
• Glastonbury: The experience of playing the legendary festival (in 2016) but never attending it as a festival-goer!
• Most Haunted: Toyah chatted about the various haunted homes she has stayed in, and the activity generated within them.
• In The Fairground: Interesting chat about the song from the 1981 EP Four More From Toyah; its origins, what the lyric is about, and how it relates to today.
• In The Fairground: Toyah said: “I listened to that and thought, wow this track, it’s really nice. I could probably sing it a lot better now than I did back then. Back then we were on tour, we had to deliver for Christmas. It was 1981 and was pretty much made in between live shows, and I think I could develop that now much better for the acoustic show“.
• New Studio Album: by the Toyah band of now? There are a number of obstacles, including geography, finances, the ongoing pandemic, but “It’s a possibility” Toyah said.
• Telepathic Lover: Live archive footage of this great song from Four From Toyah: Birthday Edition EP and 2019’s In The Court Of The Crimson Queen album. Toyah said: “One of my favourite songs live. I just love the groove and when we’re on stage, this is the Toyah band at their best. It’s absolutely fabulous“.
• Ask Toyah: Toyah said “Please keep those questions rolling in. It’s really good to do this. I love, I love It, I love it! They are wonderful!“.
• Toyah at Home: This week’s show was promoted on Toyah’s official Instagram with a rare Four From Toyah era photo (directly above).
• See you next week for Toyah At Home #4.
A lengthy new article, on the ever-enduring Quadrophenia, published today by The Independent as part of The Indy Film Club.
How Quadrophenia immortalises and scrutinises mod culture
It’s an indelible part of Brighton’s history but, as Clarisse Loughrey writes, the 1979 adaptation of The Who’s rock opera is really concerned with a search for identity
Brighton residents know the sound well – the stentorian rattle of engines, as a fleet of Vespas and Lambrettas zip down the promenade. It feels odd for a moment, as if there’s been a rip in the space-time continuum and a little of the Swinging Sixties has trickled out. But it’s tradition here. On sunny weekends, mod aficionados gather in the city to fraternise, evangelise, and compare the number of mirrors on their scooters. Brighton was a favoured hang-out spot for the original mods, who’d travel down from London to the south’s seaside resorts, eager to ruffle the feathers of middle-class daytrippers.
Trouble came in the form of the rockers, their rivals. It was like the Capulets versus the Montagues – divided not by blood, but by the way someone might wear their hair. The mods (short for “modernist”) embraced continental style, with their crisply tailored suits and Italian scooters. To protect said suit while on said scooter, parkas became a staple. The girls wore miniskirts, as popularised by Mary Quant. The rockers, meanwhile, were bikers. Their “tough guy” attitude complemented their black leather jackets, Doc Marten boots, and Elvis pompadours.
There were clashes. The most infamous of these took place in Brighton over the Whitsun weekend (18-19 May) in 1964. A small group of rockers were corned on the beach. Police tried to intervene, but it quickly spiralled into chaos. And though, in hindsight, it’s clear the press blew events out of proportion, it’s become an indelible part of the city’s history – due largely to the fact it was immortalised in 1979’s Quadrophenia.
The film, a loose adaptation of The Who’s 1973 rock opera, stars Phil Daniels as Jimmy, a disgruntled London teen. At home, his parents treat his non-conformity as a curse. At his mailroom job at an advertising firm, he’s just another drone. And so he throws himself head-on into the hell-raising, dandyish, amphetamine-fuelled world of mod culture. It becomes his entire identity. When he ends up at the centre of the Brighton brawls and gets arrested, the adrenaline sends him heavenward – only for a moment, before disillusionment sets in and he starts to spiral.
• Continue reading at The Independent/Culture (registration may be required).
Anchoress: London Live: Friday 3rd July: 2.05am
A peasant girl develops a fascination with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which prompts a priest to sentence her to be walled up in the church. When she discovers her mother is to be tried as a witch, she resolves to break free from her imprisonment, even if it costs her her life. Medieval drama, starring Natalie Morse, Toyah Willcox, Pete Postlethwaite, Christopher Eccleston, Gene Bervoets, Brenda Bertin. Director: Chris Newby.
Story of disabled Darlington fan flies to Venice Film Festival, down Oscar path
Give Them Wings, an upcoming film about the struggle of Quakers fan whose battle with meningitis as a child left him disabled, has finished production and began down the Oscar path.
The movie, which is undergoing final edits, follows the story of wheelchair-user Paul Hodgson who “was told he would only live to five but is now 55” and has been sent to Venice Film Festival – an Oscar qualifier.
Give Them Wings has been accepted but not yet selected, though the team will know in the coming weeks.
… The story of his childhood struggles with the disease, which looks at life as a disabled person, filmmaker and Darlington football fan, has attracted a cast including Toyah Willcox and film newcomer but previous Byker Grove actor Daniel Watson, who plays Mr Hodgson.
Now, the low-budget film which was seven-years in the making and relied on a crowdfunding campaign, is on the Oscar trial, hoping to be shown major film festivals and “navigate the narrow corridor” to the Oscars.
• Continue reading at The Northern Echo. Browse further info on Give Them Wings at longdogproductions.co.uk. See some photos from the film at darlingtonfc.co.uk.
Quadrophenia: Film 4: Monday 8th June: 1.35am
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone.
Anchoress: London Live: Tuesday 2nd June: 2am
Anchoress: London Live: Thursday 4th June: 1am
Anchoress: London Live: Monday 8th June: 0.45am
A peasant girl develops a fascination with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which prompts a priest to sentence her to be walled up in the church. When she discovers her mother is to be tried as a witch, she resolves to break free from her imprisonment, even if it costs her her life. Medieval drama, starring Natalie Morse, Toyah Willcox, Pete Postlethwaite, Christopher Eccleston, Gene Bervoets, Brenda Bertin. Director: Chris Newby. (Photos © Vanguard Cinema)
• Let’s Rock 80s Lockdown Fest: Toyah is taking part in the Let’s Rock 80s Lockdown Fest on Saturday 16th May, 7-10pm… Tune in from your home
• Official Toyah: Unicorn Bolero Sunday Lockdown Lunch #toyahwillcox #robertfripp #bolero #unicorn #lockdown – Continue watching…
• BBC Archive: #OnThisDay 1981: Toyah Willcox and Chris Phipps crowned the winner of The Poser competition on Look! Hear! – Take a trip back to the 80s…
• Big Issue North: In The Frame – Derek Jarman: Best known as a film-maker, Jarman was also a diarist and artist. From pop to politics, his work epitomises 1980s culture but remains vital today – Contnue reading…
• Hero Magazine: Jubilee, Mouth Music and Magnolia: In Jubilee, Derek Jarman tells the story of a time-travelling Queen Elizabeth who arrives in 1979 to find her kingdom destroyed by punks. It’s a gloriously unhinged celebration of chaos, where hierarchy is demolished and renegades are given free rein – Continue reading…
What a bargain this is – The Invasion Planet Earth DVD has been reduced to just £3 by Amazon. This may not last long. The DVD includes a Making Of documentary, deleted scenes, commentary + Toyah’s Step Into The New World promo video. Invasion Planet Earth is a really enjoyable two hours of sci-fi.
Quadrophenia – Our Generation: Sky Arts: Friday 8th May: 9pm
Quadrophenia – Our Generation: Sky Arts: Thursday 14th May: 11pm
Celebrity fans and cast members come together to shed light on the making of Quadrophenia and explore the legacy that the cult film has left behind, 40 years after its release.
Quadrophenia Reunited – 40 Years On: Sky Arts: Friday 8th May: 10pm
Quadrophenia Reunited – 40 Years On: Sky Arts: Friday 15th May: 0.00am
Lauren Laverne hosts a one-off special bringing the stars of Quadrophenia together. Featuring reminiscing, interviews, a table-read of the script and plenty of other surprises.
Quadrophenia: Film 4 HD: Sunday 12th April: 1.05am
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Director: Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, and Ray Winstone.
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.
Doll House, the new horror film from 101 Films, directed by Steven M. Smith (Doll Cemetery, The Howling, The Doll Master, Haunted) and starring Toyah Willcox (Invasion Planet Earth, Quadrophenia), Mark Wingett (The Bill, Quadrophenia), Louisa Warren, Jennifer Leahey and Paul Danan (Hollyoaks, Are We Dead Yet?) is released on DVD and digital download on 23rd March.
Toyah plays Layla in the film, which is available to pre-order at Amazon now.
Synopsis: A care home for child runaways takes in a 12-year-old girl, found alone, late at night, on the street, whos only belongings are her Doll and mysterious Doll House. She refuses to speak and wont ever let go of her doll or doll house and the other children tease her. As the days pass, the residents start to disappear and seem to appear as tiny dolls inside the doll house. An evil entity haunts the doll and doll house and is collecting the souls of the children for its ultimate cause, to be alive.
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)
Square Chapel Arts Centre is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with a series of live events and special film screenings
During February 2020, Square Chapel Arts Centre is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with a series of live events and special film screenings.
LGBT History Month is an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBT community.
The programme of events Square Chapel has on for audiences includes:
The Tempest + Christopher Biggins Q&A
On Thursday 13 February from 7:00pm audiences can see The Tempest, a film directed by Derek Jarman and starring Toyah Willcox and Christopher Biggins. The film will be followed by an in conversation with the English stage and screen actor, Christopher Biggins who is best known for his role as Lukewarm in the BBC sitcom Porridge. Fans can expect an entertaining evening from this national treasure.
Jubilee + Toyah Willcox Q&A + Gig
On Saturday 1 February from 4.45pm the arts centre will start will screen the film Jubilee starring Toyah Willcox and directed by Derek Jarman, followed by a Q&A hosted by BBC Radio 6 Music’s Chris Hawkins. The night will end with a live gig from Toyah and her band.
• Continue reading at Square Chapel Arts Centre.
Invasion Planet Earth Exclusive Clip: Hitch a Ride to The Mother Ship
Screen Anarchy is pleased to present to you this morning an exclusive from the UK indie sci fi flick, Invasion Planet Earth.
A micro-budget sci-fi UK film that’s been 20 years in the making, Invasion Planet Earth is much more than a British Independence Day. With filmmaking efforts reminiscent of early Roger Corman and a nod to the sci-fi programs of the ’70s and ’80s like Doctor Who and Buck Rogers as well as the more recent Torchwood, Invasion Planet Earth will appeal not only to science fiction audiences but fans of multiple genres.
In our exclusive clip Thomas hitches a ride into the Mother Ship. We get this sort of giddy excitement watching this clip and its can-do spirit.
• Continue reading at Screen Anarchy.
Anchoress, the 1993 Chris Newby directed film, with Christopher Eccleston, Pete Postlethwaite, Natalie Morse and Toyah, is airing on London Live a few times over the next 10 days, beginning tonight.
Anchoress: London Live: Friday 24th January: 10pm
Anchoress: London Live: Monday 27th January: 11pm
Anchoress: London Live: Monday 3rd February: 0.00am
A peasant girl develops a fascination with a statue of the Virgin Mary, which prompts a priest to sentence her to be walled up in the church. When she discovers her mother is to be tried as a witch, she resolves to break free from her imprisonment, even if it costs her her life. Medieval drama, starring Natalie Morse, Toyah Willcox, Pete Postlethwaite, Christopher Eccleston, Gene Bervoets, Brenda Bertin. Director: Chris Newby
