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Quadrophenia at 40: Stars reminisce about the film for ‘every generation’

Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox and other stars of Quadrophenia speak to Sky News about the film’s 40th anniversary.

Released in 1979 and loosely based on The Who’s album of the same name, Quadrophenia’s coming-of-age tale of a young mod is very much a cult classic. Forty years on, a new documentary for Sky Arts, Quadrophenia – Our Generation, explores the style of filmmaking and the movie’s themes.

But for the cast, who reunited at a screening for the documentary, the film’s wider impact could never have been predicted.

… Toyah Willcox, who played Monkey in the film, says it was emotional to look back at when it was being made. “You’re just thinking, ‘my God, it was so special’,” she says. “It was such an opportunity and a privilege because we were treated as serious actors at a time when we could have been treated very differently. “So watching the documentary, I just thought, ‘wow, I’m just so pleased that was in my life’.”

• Continue reading at Sky News. (Photo © Sky Arts)

Quadrophenia‘s big anniversary weekend on Sky Arts is fast approaching. Here are a couple of very recent Quad related photos – At London Film Fair on Sunday, and a great shot of four of the legendary cast! Thanks to Paul. (Photos © Toyah Willcox and Gary Shail)

Toyah Willcox didn’t realise feminist aspect of Quadrophenia but now calls movie ‘liberating’

Toyah Willcox didn’t realise the feminist aspect of Quadrophenia while filming the cult classic. The 61-year-old played Monkey in the 1979 hit – a party animal who was in control of her sex life as well as being a constant supplier of drugs to her friends.

When chatting to Metro.co.uk, the star reflected on the character and how liberating it was to play her. She told us: ‘At the time I wasn’t aware of the feminist aspects of it. It was quite a schizophrenic time. I got signed to a record label was working on another movie, then working on Quadrophenia.’ She laughed: ‘Everything was going absolutely ballistic.’

• Continue reading at the Metro.

Quadrophenia: Our Generation – Sky Arts
Airs at 9:00pm on Saturday 21 September 2019

Quadrophenia: Our Generation sees Phil Daniels, Sting, Toyah Willcox, Leslie Ash and the rest of the cast look back at a definitive British film of 40 years ago.

A weekend of programming to mark the 40th anniversary of cult movie Quadrophenia includes Quadrophenia: Our Generation, an excellent documentary in which first-time director Franc Roddam and cast members Sting, Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Willcox and Ray Winstone share memories of making the film.

There are some great anecdotes – including a phone call to Malcolm McLaren about the possibility of the Sex Pistols’ John Lydon starring as Jimmy (the scooter-riding Mod eventually played by Phil Daniels), and The Who’s late drummer Keith Moon asking to co-direct – plus an interesting history of the Mod movement.

• Continue reading at What’s on TV.

Quadrophenia cast threatened strike as Trevor Laird ‘couldn’t be seen with white girl’

The cast of Quadrophenia are currently celebrating the cult film’s 40th anniversary. But while the classic was progressive for its time, it turns out the movie could have been a whole lot more radical. Opening up on what went down behind the scenes, Trevor Laird, who played Ferdy, recalled the moment he was told he couldn’t be seen with a white girl.

Yes, that actually happened.

… Toyah Willcox who was sat next to Trev and played Monkey in the 1979 movie, chirped up: “I don’t know if you know, but we talked about going on strike because of that. All these walls were being knocked down, and here we were having to keep to a really bad tradition.”

• Continue reading at the Metro.

Quadrophenia cast speak of ‘no star treatment’ received on set 40 years ago

They endured freezing weather while shooting on location in Brighton and didn’t even get dressing rooms

There was no star treatment for the cast of classic Mod movie Quadrophenia 40 years ago. They endured freezing weather while shooting on location in Brighton and didn’t even get dressing rooms.

Ahead of the anniversary, Leslie Ash, 59, said of filming: “There were no Winnebagos or anything fancy like that. We had to huddle together to keep warm. We’d sit in people’s cars or in shop doorways between scenes. No-one could say, ‘I’m going off to my trailer’. I think that’s why we all got on so well.”

Toyah Willcox, 61, added: “We were wet the whole time. It was freezing. Half the time we were stood on street corners.”

The cast didn’t even get a hefty pay packet despite the film’s big budget. Director Franc Roddam, 73, said: “I wasn’t being paid very much and nor were the cast.” Phil Davis, 66, added: “It wasn’t about the money. There was such a buzz about this film.”

• Continue reading at the Daily Star.

The full schedule for Sky Arts’ special evening of celebration for the 40th Anniversary of Quadrophenia has just been made available – *Updated* with further air dates and times!

Quadrophenia – Our Generation: Sky Arts:
Saturday 21st September: 9pm
Monday 23rd September: 1.45am
Wednesday 25th September: 10.30pm
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:
Saturday 21st September: 10pm
Monday 23rd September: 0.15am
Wednesday 25th September: 9pm
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: Sky Arts: Saturday 21st September: 11.30pm
Quadrophenia: Sky Arts: Sunday 22nd September: 10pm
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.

This New York City Playwright’s Music Video Puts a Fantastical Spin on the Tutu

When New York artist Leah Hennessey starts describing some of the influences of her band’s first official video, “Sleeping Beauty,” you can tell straight away that she’s a pop culture fanatic.

She references comic books like Grant Morrison’s The Invisibles, old fairy tales like Sleeping Beauty—unsurprising, given the song’s title—and deeper cuts like cult director Derek Jarman’s 1979 film The Tempest.

…The ballet look, on the other hand, was loosely based on Toyah Willcox’s costumes in Jarman’s The Tempest. “I was going for a feral balletic ethereality to evoke the fairy-tale aspect of the song,” she describes. Plus, she never before had an excuse to wear a tutu.

• Continue reading at Vogue.com. Browse our archive dedicated to The Tempest.

Toyah will appear at the London Film Fair on Sunday 15th September 2019, alongside many of the actors from Quadrophenia.

The Film Fair will be held at the Congress Centre (Great Russell Street, WC1B 3UB)

The London Film Fair will appeal to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students. A must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!

• Further info at the London Film Fair website. (Thanks to Graham Bashford) – See our previous news on this here.

A past behind the scenes still with Toyah playing Dr Bennett in Swiperight. The film is currently in post production. See our previous Swiperight news here. (Photo © GabrielNita.com)

Quadrophenia Our Generation: Sky Arts: Saturday 21st September: Time TBC
A new documentary, marking the 40th anniversary of Quadrophenia. Includes a recording of the live read through with the cast in which Toyah participated.

Quadrophenia cast spill BTS antics as they reunite to celebrate 40 years of cult film

The cast of Quadrophenia have reunited to celebrate 40 years since the cult movie was released. And what an evening it was.

Returning to Shepherds Bush, where the much-loved classic was filmed, the likes of Leslie Ash (Steph), Garry Cooper (Peter), Phil Daniels (Jimmy) and Toyah Willcox (Monkey) joined Lauren Laverne to talk all things mod. Phil Davis (Chalky), Trevor Laird (Ferdy), Gary Shail (Spider) and Mark Winget (Dave) were also in attendance to discuss the key themes of the plot, as well as spilling a number of backstage antics.

• Continue reading at the Metro. (Photo © Metro/Joe Newman/PinPep)

Toyah will be appearing in the film Give Them Wings directed by Sean Cronin. The film is raising funds to complete production. Find out how to donate and about the film including Toyah talking on camera about her role in the video above.

Give Them Wings will follow in the footsteps and the success of the incredible biopic true story of Christy Brown, My Left Foot which in 1989 at a budget of $600,000 grossed $15m at the box office, Billy Elliot at a budget of $5m grossed $99m at the box office and The Full Monty at a budget of $3.5m grossed $257m at the box office. Untouchable, with a very similar narrative to Give Them Wings at a budget of $10.5m and grossed $366m.

• Continue reading at toyahwillcox.com.

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of one of Britain’s greatest cult movies, Sky Arts presents one-off night brings the stars of Quadrophenia together on stage for a unique table read. Hosted by Lauren Laverne it will also feature a series of interviews with the cast, some special surprises and an audience Q&A.

Sunday 14 July 2019 | Shepherd’s Bush O2 Empire

The event will be filmed for a special TV broadcast. Click below to book tickets.

Toyah will be appearing at the London Film Fair, a Showmasters event, on Sunday 15th September at the Royal National Hotel in Russell Square. Leslie Ash is also guesting.

This event is the continuation of a legacy that started back in the early seventies. The conventions presents dealers from all over the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia and South America that specializes in vintage and modern film memorabilia. Items cover the history of cinema from the silents to the present day blockbusters.

The London Film Fair will appeal to avid film buffs, collectors, archivists researchers and students. A must for anyone with an interest in cinema and cult television!

• Further info at the London Film Fair website. (Thanks to Graham Bashford)

As previously posted, Toyah plays the Holt Festival 2019 on Friday 26th July – at the Theatre In The Woods.

An addition to the festival schedule that day is a screening of The Tempest, at the Britten Building.

New this year, we’re delighted to introduce Festival Extras – a series of events in addition to the main programme.

The Tempest: Friday 26 July, 4.00pm Britten Building
Tickets available on the door | Running time: 1h 35min
Derek Jarman’s magical 1979 film version of The Tempest starring Toyah Willcox. This screening will be introduced by the film’s producer Don Boyd and Toyah will make a guest appearance.

Each July the festival, whose media partners are the Eastern Daily Press and North Norfolk News, sets the Georgian country town alight with performers, musicians, art exhibitions and literary events. The early announcements include two music stars with many weeks in the charts between them.

• Visit the Holt Festival website. Browse all of our Holt Festival news.

Gary Shail Brings You Quadrophenia 40th Birthday Party

We are delighted to announce that our latest confirmed guest for Quad 40 is the fantastic Toyah Willcox who played the part of Monkey. Toyah joins Gary Shail, Trevor Laird, Leslie Ash and Carol Harrison (so far!) confirmed names – with more to follow!

2019 is the 40th anniversary of the movie Quadrophenia. The 25th August heralds the biggest single collection of cast and crew to celebrate this seminal movie. Gary Shail ( Spider) is proud to present the ultimate “Quadrophenia Experience” at Brighton’s Palace Pier.

• Further info/Book tickets at the Quad 40 website. (Thanks to Layne Patterson)

Full details of the VIP Passes for Quadrophenia at 40 – taking place at Cov Con (Coventry Comic Con) in September – have been made available.

We are really excited to be able to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the 1979 release of Quadrophenia!

Join us and meet cast members from the film. Grab an autograph or take part in our amazing Quadrophenia cast group photoshoot. There is also a free Q&A session with the Quad guests which is not to be missed!

Entry costs just £10 to get into the show and you can then choose if you want to purchase autographs, photoshoots, selfies etc.

We also sell optional VIP passes which give you extra discount on buying stuff individually. The following VIP passes will be available to purchase on Saturday 30th March from 10am on our website:

Hell on Wheels – Save at least £20 on the full set of Quadrophenia guest autographs and receive a limited edition show lanyard with VIP pass. You can either bring your own item to be signed or use one of our cast group 10″ x 8″ photos for signing. Event entry is not included in the pass. Price is £70 and only 50 will be available.

Bell Boy – As Hell on Wheels but in addition you also get the meet/greet group photoshoot with the Quadrophenia guests. The photoshoot will include the Ace Face replica scooter that you can sit on with the guests around you for an amazing picture! Event entry is not included in the pass. Price is £160 and only 20 will be available.

We Are The Mods – In addition to Hell on Wheels you also get selfies with all our Quadrophenia guests, early entry into the event from 9am and a queue jump pass which will get you to the front of any guest queue (including non Quad guests). Early event entry is included in this pass. Price £250 and only 10 available.

A Way of Life – All the benefits of the We Are The Mods pass but you also get a meet/greet photo shoot with all individual Quad guests and reserved front row seating for the Quad Q&A. Early event entry is included in this pass. Price is £400 and only 5 are available.

The Real Me – Our ultimate VIP pass! Get all the benefits of our Way of Life pass and you also get a limited edition 14″ x 12″ print signed by all our Quad guests, a personal birthday/Christmas card from Toyah, green room access with food and drink available throughout the day, a hotel room on Friday 27th in the same hotel as our guests, safe luggage space at the venue, a personal assistant to help you meet guests and plan your day and private transport laid on from/to railway station, hotel and venue. Early event entry is included in this pass. Price is £800 and only 3 are available.

• Continue reading for further details of the VIP Passes at coventrycomiccom.com.

• Toyah Live 2019: Just Announced: 80s Festival – Bodelwyddan Castle 28 June 2019 – Starring punk princess to high priestess of TV, Toyah Willcox, The Only Way Is 80s party band plus Decadez80s – paying homage to the 1980s – Further Info…

• Official Charts: Record Store Day 2019: The full list of 545 exclusive music releases revealed: 545 limited edition products ranging from live LPs, boxsets, albums never-before-released-on-vinyl, movie soundtracks, remix EPs, and unreleased rarities will be available across 7″, 10″, 12″, picture disc, coloured vinyl and flexidisc (!) formats – Continue reading…

• The Prince Charles Cinema: Selectrospective: As previously posted, Jubilee is playing at The Prince Charles Cinema, London in March – This is showing as part of a mini Derek Jarman Selectrospective – More info…

• RSD19: In The Court Of The Crimson Queen has been mentioned in numerous online articles reporting on Record Store Day 2019 over the past few days.

Yesterday was the 25th Anniversary of the death of Derek Jarman. Numerous events were held to mark the occasion including a memorial at The Tate and an unveiling of a new blue plaque in London.

A blue plaque marking the site of the studio where artist and filmmaker Derek Jarman lived and worked in the 1970s has been unveiled at Butler’s Wharf.

Once Butler’s Wharf ceased to be used as a warehouse in the early 1970s, it was rented out to artists and others at low rents. Speaking at the unveiling on Tuesday, English Heritage trustee David Olusoga said: “Jarman’s connection with this building lasted between 1973 and 1979.

“The building suffered a series of fires but it survived. It was converted to apartments, offices and a restaurant in the 1980s.” He added: “Today’s unveiling to Jarman marks 25 years since his death, and February also marks LGBT History Month.

“To me as a filmmaker, Jarman was a pioneer … you felt clever because you watched his films and pretended you fully understood them.”

• Continue reading at London SE1. Browse Dreamscape’s Derek Jarman News Archive.

Jubilee is showing at The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester Place, London on Tuesday 12th March.

Jubilee | Directed by Derek Jarman
Starring Jenny Runacre, Nell Campbell, Toyah Willcox
1978 | 106mins | UK | rated (15)

Queen Elizabeth I and her occult aide Dr John Dee (brilliantly played by Jenny Runacre and Richard O’Brien, respectively) travel into the future, encountering the megalomania of big business as well as gangs of violent, marauding killers. Derek Jarman is hitting his stride here – and doesn’t spare the shocks – while electrifying punk rock numbers are abrasively delivered by Jayne County and Adam Ant. The mythological past and bleak future converge on the sparse, grey streets of London.

• Continue reading/Further info at The Prince Charles Cinema.