Dreamscape | The Toyah Willcox Fansite

An excerpt from a new interview with Toyah, from Blitzed Magazine, talking playing live, her back-catalogue reissues and Strictly.

From princess of punk to accomplished stage actress, Toyah Willcox is a uniquely gifted, well-loved and respected performer. Charismatic, outspoken and very passionate, she is one of Britain’s most beloved household names of stage, screen and radio. The hit singles ‘It’s A Mystery’, ‘I Want to Be Free’, ‘Brave New World’ and platinum-selling albums Anthem and The Changeling confirmed her status as one of the most significant talents of the 1980s. In 1982 she won the Best Female Singer at the British Rock & Pop Awards (which later became The Brits).

In recent years, Toyah has seen her career take on even more challenges with TV, live festivals, re-releases of classic albums, as well as awards and new material too. For issue 18 of Blitzed, we spoke to Toyah about her legacy and kicked off by asking her how she would summarise 2024 in terms of the highs and lows?

The year has been very rewarding, and it’s satisfying to be seen and regarded as an artist of influence in the music industry. I will remember 2024 for the rewards after decades of work. Glastonbury will always be a high point in my life. It is a magical festival that takes place on a very powerful piece of land and the audience add to that. No other experience matches it, it is a truly loving caring community where music is the very heart and soul of everything. The lows, there aren’t really any other than seeing my brilliant 78-year-old husband move into a more fragile time in his life but that is inevitable.

• Continue reading at Blitzed Magazine. Read the full interview with Toyah in issue 18 of Blitzed Magazine.

Fans surprised to find out they’re talking to 80s singing legends on shopping hotline

Martin Kemp, Toyah Willcox and Sinitta manned a 1980s style shopping ‘hotline’ to the delight of fans

Martin Kemp, Toyah Willcox and Sinitta were manning a vintage ’80s hotline, sending fans into a frenzy as they sold them retro-inspired clothing.

The trio of ’80s icons got stuck in and took calls from enthusiasts of the era. Kemp, who rocked the ’80s as Spandau Ballet’s bassist, was dishing out some “Gold” one-liners and even broke into song down the line to a gobsmacked punter.

Toyah, a veteran of the music scene with over 20 albums, got in on the action too, joking: “Don’t trust Martin, Sinitta and I to place your order – all we’re good at is singing.”

• Continue reading at the Daily Star. See also the Express, The Sun, and Toyah’s Facebook.

Toyah Willcox visits Rudheath Senior Academy for SEND day

Eighties icon Toyah Willcox helped to inspire Cheshire teachers with a talk about her experiences living with dyslexia.

The 66-year-old singer-songwriter and actress was paying a visit to the Rudheath Senior Academy for a day dedicated to special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

On February 14, the North West Academies Trust (NWAT) hosted its annual Trust Inset Day bringing together 230 educators from the 12 primary and secondary schools it runs, including Rudheath.

And, giving a powerful keynote address, Toyah shared with the audience her experience with dyslexia, which she described as her ‘superpower’.

• Continue reading at Chester Standard. See also: Toyah Willcox shares her dyslexia ‘superpower’ at Chester trust event at Chester Nub News. (Photos © NWAT)

A new interview with Toyah, by Liam Rudden for Must See Theatre, which is also a great “Toyah in Edinburgh” history feature!

Interview: Toyah Willcox returns to Edinburgh Playhouse! Now that’s what I call an Eighties’ icon…

“I’m not going to tell you,” laughs Toyah Willcox, her face beaming, “because it’s a big impact moment that works really, really well…”

It’s 25 years since I first interviewed the effervescent Eighties’ punk princess, and more than I care to remember since I first listened to her music. Tracks like Ieya, Danced and It’s A Mystery were a huge part of my youth, along with the songs of the Pet Shop Boys and hits of Meatloaf, all of which is fitting as today, via Zoom, we are talking Now That’s What I Call A Musical, the 80’s jukebox musical in which the Birmingham-born singer makes a special, one week only, guest appearance during its Edinburgh run.

No stranger to the Scottish capital’s stages, Now That’s What I Call A Musical brings Toyah back to The Playhouse, a venue she has appeared in concert many times; her Changeling Tour stopped off there in 1982 then she returned, revisiting her early hits in 2004’s Best of the 80’s Tour and again for 2017 with the 80’s Invasion Tour. And it wasn’t just her pop persona, however, that brought Toyah to 3,039 capacity theatre, in 2009 she appeared as the Queen of The Night there, in Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock, a show she describes as “a lot of fun”.

• Continue reading at Must See Theatre. See also The Edinburgh Reporter. Buy Now That’s What I Call A Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse tickets here.

Toyah Willcox set for Edinburgh shows with Now That’s What I Call A Musical – ‘the songs connect in an instant’

The Spotify generation will never know just how big the ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ brand was back in the 1980s.

Compilation albums were nothing new – K-Tel mastered the genre a decade earlier – but they became multi-platinum selling albums which took the best of the charts and delivered the perfect package of hits to millions of turntables and CD players.

Pretty much every single iconic single of the 80s can be found on the albums, so the only surprise it has taken this long to use that as the basis of a musical. Written by comedian Pippa Evans and choreographed by Strictly judge, Craig Revel Horwood, Now That’s I Call A Musical celebrates the decade of pop that still resonates to this day.

• Continue reading at Fife Today. Buy Now That’s What I Call A Musical at Edinburgh Playhouse tickets here.

Toyah Willcox song to feature in new Salisbury play

A new play will premiere at Salisbury’s Guildhall, featuring a song recorded by Toyah Willcox.

The singer, songwriter and television presenter has recorded Blue Pearl for the courtroom drama, Blue Pearl vs The Ten Mega-Corps, written by Mike Doherty and Mark Thomas.

The music was created by playwright and musician Mike, who approached Toyah during lockdown. Toyah has donated her vocal recording to be played exclusively during the performance of Blue Pearl vs Ten Mega-Corps during the prosecution evidence.

Mike said: “Of course we are thrilled that Toyah Willcox generously agreed to perform the vocals for us. It brings even more excitement to the play.”

Mike explained the story: “A prosecution barrister, concerned for her young twins, takes on 10 global corporations for poisoning the planet.”

• Continue reading at Salisbury Journal. Also reported by Yahoo! News.

Toyah Willcox presents a heartfelt tribute to the flamboyant and iconic Steve Strange, born Steven John Harrington in Newbridge, Wales.

From his early days in the vibrant Northern Soul scene to becoming the frontman of Visage, Steve Strange’s life was a tapestry of artistic brilliance and bold individuality.

Here we delve into his meteoric rise as the lead singer of Visage, best known for their massive hit “Fade to Grey.”

His unique voice and eclectic style helped define the New Romantic movement, and he became a symbol of the era with his extravagant and exciting outfits.

Toyah hears from fashion designer Darla Jane Gilroy, who sheds light on his influence on fashion. Fellow Visage members Billy Currie and Dave Formula share their experiences working with Steve and creating iconic music. Chris Sullivan, Steve’s friend and fellow club host, recounts their adventures in the influential Blitz Club that became a haven for the New Romantics.

Spandau Ballet’s Steve Norman and former Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles offer their reflections on Steve’s impact on the music scene and their personal memories of him. Rare interviews from the archives of Steve himself bring his story to life, capturing his vibrant personality and enduring legacy.

Toyah, who also gives her own reflections on the Steve Strange she knew, also remembers Boy George’s poignant eulogy at Steve’s funeral, celebrating his unique spirit and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.

In Steve, A Strange Life, we honour the legacy of a true original, ten years after his untimely passing.

• Continue reading at BBC Radio Wales.

From Oliver and the Artful Dodger to Mary Poppins, Roxie Hart, drag queen Lola and not forgetting punk princess Toyah Willcox, there’s a host of musical stars just waiting to entertain you in February.

It’s the Playhouse, however, that has the show I’m looking forward to most this month, Now That’s What I Call A Musical (25 February-1 March). I’m keen to see it not because I’m expecting the most earth-shattering jukebox musical ever, it’ll likely be a the usual feel-good evening of nostalgia, but because the Edinburgh shows are the only ones on the tour to feature my own teenage heroine, punk princess Toyah Willcox, as a special guest.

Celebrating 40 years of the iconic compilation albums and starring EastEnders’ star, Nina Wadia, and 2013 X Factor winner, Sam Bailey, the musical comedy tells the story of Gemma and April, two school friends busy with very important business… planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley.

• Continue reading at The Edinburgh Reporter. Further details on Toyah in the Edinburgh performances of Now That’s What I call A Musical at toyahwillcox.com.

Filmed on the Isle of Wight: Weightless garners success at Soho London Independent Film Festival

A short film shot on the Isle of Wight, Weightless, has added another prestigious accolade to its growing collection.

The film, starring the renowned Toyah Willcox, won the award for Best Experimental Drama at the Soho London Independent Film Festival over the weekend.

Exploring a powerful story: Directed by Lois Norman, Weightless tells the poignant story of Maureen, a woman confronting her inner demons alone on a beach. As she steps into the water, the film explores themes of resilience and personal transformation.

The screenplay was penned by Louise Monaghan, with production led by Isle of Wight-based producer Rowena Amos, founder of 9 of Cups Productions. Among other places, it was filmed in Freshwater Bay and Ventnor Bay.

Celebrating the team’s achievement: The film’s success was shared by writer Louise Monaghan, who expressed her delight at the recognition.

• Continue reading at On The Wight.

Classic Rock are very happy to have a shiny, brand new, Sunday Lunch from Toyah & Robert…

At last! Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp have unleashed their inner punk

Watch all the action unfold in Worcestershire’s rowdiest kitchen

You may not have noticed, but Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp’s Sunday Lunch broadcast series has been quiet of late, with new episodes appearing with less frequency than in days of yore. Instead, old episodes have been sneakily re-uploaded, presumably in the hope that publishers like ourselves don’t notice and write stories proclaiming the pair’s ongoing weekly genius.

Last week, for instance, a typically delightful albeit ragged cover of The Cardigans’ 1998 single My Favourite Game appeared on Toyah’s YouTube channel. “It’s a funny one this week!” read the description beneath the video, as if it were a new clip. “Enjoy, guys!”

Well, the same video originally appeared on the same channel on December 5, 2022. See what we mean? In this post-truth world, even the King Crimson man and his post-punk princess bride appear capable of twisting reality into deceitful new shapes. Well, we’re not falling into that particular trap.

However, we’re thrilled to announce that this week they’re back with an actual new performance. In the latest clip, Frippcox perform a playful cover of U Should Not Be Doing That by Australian oiks Amyl and the Sniffers, and a very creditable performance it is, too. Fripp snarls like he’s auditioning for Britain’s Got Punk Talent, and Willcox dances alluringly on the table because that’s just one of the many things she’s good at.

• Continue reading at Classic Rock/Louder. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

SohoLIFF celebrates its 5th birthday in style with participants including Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies

The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) marks its 5th year in style in January 2025, celebrating five years of innovation in independent film with an electrifying line-up of screenings, events and special guests. Over four days, Soho’s iconic De Lane Lea/Warner Bros Building will host more than 50 films from around the globe, featuring celebrated talents like Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies alongside the emerging stars of the future. This is a festival for filmmakers and film lovers alike.

SohoLIFF is an independent short film festival that supports filmmakers from around the world. This year’s festival sees submissions from over 25 countries; filmmakers will compete for 16 awards, culminating in a ceremony that brings everyone together to share their stories and love of the artform.

• Continue reading at Theatre Full Stop. Also visit The Soho London Independent Film Festival website.

25 fabulous photos of The Weakest Link in Cirencester

These wonderful photos highlight the action at a star-studded charity edition of The Weakest Link in Cirencester.

The event – held at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester’s Beeches Road on Saturday, January 18 – saw celebrities including the Queen’s son and food writer Tom Parker Bowles, presenter Kay Burley and TV regular Stanley Johnson (father of Boris) subject themselves to ‘Queen of Mean’ and original show host Anne Robinson.

They were joined by singer and Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Toyah Willcox, Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Nico de Boinville, former BBC chair Michael Grade (who acted as compere) and aristocrat Nick Peto.

• Continue reading/Browse the photos at Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard.

Anne Robinson to host star-studded Weakest Link in Cotswolds

Get ready for a battle of wits as Anne Robinson, the ‘Queen of Mean’, takes the helm for one last time in a star-studded charity edition of The Weakest Link in the Cotswolds.

Packed with celebrity contestants and Ms Robinson’s iconic sharp humour, this exclusive event at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester promises more than entertainment— a lifeline for the Hatherop Big Build campaign.

The event will see high-profile figures, including former BBC chair and House of Lords member Michael Grade CBE, news presenter Kay Burley, champion jockey Nico de Boinville, historian Simon Heffer, TV personality Stanley Johnson, food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, aristocrat Nick Peto, and singer Toyah Willcox, go head-to-head in a general knowledge showdown.

• Continue reading at Bristol Live. See further info at Barn Theatre.

After four years of a series of charting and well-received album catalogue reissues in expanded and collectible form, Toyah and Cherry Red Records is delighted to announce there are further surprises in store for next year.

On 21 March 2025, Cherry Red Records will release two strictly limited edition picture discs of the 1980 Toyah albums Sheep Faming In Barnet and The Blue Meaning, marking each album’s 45th anniversary.

Both of the album picture discs feature rare and unseen imagery unearthed by Toyah’s archivist, and are pressed with the 2020 album remaster by Nick Watson, overseen by Joel Bogen. The vinyl records come protected in a PVC sleeve which is housed in a special die-cut outer jacket that carries a further unseen images to create a spectacular collector’s item celebrating the album’s original music and imagery.

Both albums can be pre-ordered ahead of their March 2025 release.

• Continue reading at toyahwillcox.com. Pre-order both vinyls at Cherry Red Records.

Toyah Willcox reveals ‘main focus in life’ – and it isn’t husband Robert Fripp

Singer Toyah Willcox says she loved every moment of her recent appearance on Strictly. Now, she’s looking forward to joining Craig Revel Horwood’s 1980s musical and releasing a new album

Anyone who witnessed her spirited jive to Nutbush City Limits on the last series of Strictly Come Dancing would know that singer Toyah Willcox is not short on energy. And a quick glance at her schedule for 2025 would suggest she has no plans to slow down.

She will join the cast of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical next month, there’s a new album in the offing and if that wasn’t enough, she recently bought an old 1890s industrial water mill on the River Avon, which she is renovating and restoring back to its original structure.

“I love it,” she enthuses. “I spent all day yesterday removing trees that washed up in the floods; it’s a really physical project.

“I’ve always got something on the go. Anyone that sits still can’t bear being with me. I adore working and I always will. My main focus in life is my work. I think if I didn’t work, the boredom would eat me alive.”

• Continue reading at The Express.

A review, by Yorkshire Times, of last night’s closing Christmas Party Tour gig, at Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

Toyah And Robert Fripp Impressive Musical Legacies

Toyah and Robert Fripp boast their own impressive musical legacies; however, as a result of a lockdown silly video, the married couple saw their personal partnership thrust into the viral domain. Alongside the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Joe Wicks, they became an escapist treat during one of the toughest periods the world has known in recent years.

Their sheer zest for life and laughter puts smiles on faces around the world, and their popularity has only increased in the aftermath. While Toyah made a fleeting appearance on Strictly earlier this year, the duo have enjoyed two Glastonbury appearances in subsequent years and even joined Billy Idol on tour. As the holiday season approaches, they have embarked on a short UK tour to unite their devoted fan base for a memorable sing-along.

• Continue reading at the Yorkshire Times.

Toyah Willcox shares ‘most embarrassing moment of her life’ after tech blunder

Toyah Willcox has opened up about the embarrassing moment that unfolded after she forgot to turn the camera off while recording a TikTok video with her husband

Strictly star Toyah Willcox has opened up about a TikTok mishap that led to what she describes as the ‘most embarrassing moment of her life’.

The unfortunate incident occurred when singer Toyah and her husband, musician Robert Fripp, were filming a new video for their social media platforms, which have garnered over 120 million views.

Toyah, 66, inadvertently left the camera on, capturing the star in her underwear as she went about her daily activities.

“It was one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever done,” admitted Toyah. “My husband Robert and I were dressed as unicorns for a video we were filming and I left the camera on afterwards.”

• Continue reading at The Mirror. See also The Sun, Express, and Daily Star.

A great review – by God Is In The TV – of Monday’s Toyah & Robert: Christmas Party at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. I agree with every word!

…Wow. Just wow.

Toyah Willcox is not a woman to let the ground rest beneath her feet, and nor, one suspects is her husband Robert Fripp. Not only did they do their best to keep music lovers’ spirits up during the pandemic with their Sunday Lunch videos on YouTube (which racked up millions of views), she’s just competed in Strictly and now here they are just before Christmas touring together.

I might say this normally at the end of a review, but I’m going to get this in now: if you get the chance to see one of the handful of remaining shows before Christmas, go and see them. Because I’ve been to a lot of gigs this year, and there’s been a lot of great ones, but of them all, this was The. Most. Fun.

• Continue reading at God Is In The TV. (Photos © David Fleming)

Strictly 2024: 10 of the best dances – from Pete’s PVC trousers to Punam’s couple’s choice

From Chris McCausland’s quickstep to JB Gill’s salsa and Toyah Willcox’s jive – here are some of the greatest highlights from the show this year

Toyah’s Jive: She was the second celebrity to be eliminated, but Toyah Willcox performed one of the most enjoyable routines of the whole series in week two, with her jive to Nutbush City Limits. In a stellar wig, tassels and cowboy boots, she crawled confidently across a bar before jumping into a routine of hard kicks and head tosses with her partner, Neil Jones. The vibe was Tina Turner meets Dolly Parton, the ragged energy recalling Willcox’s punk past. This is what 66 looks like – and thank goodness and Willcox for that.

• Continue reading/Watch at The Guardian.

BBC Strictly 2024 star Toyah Willcox makes ‘very shy’ admission

Toyah Willcox has revealed that she had to confront her “vulnerability” by showing off her legs on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The 66 year old ‘I Want to Be Free’ singer, who is no stranger to performing in front of a global audience, admitted to having some reservations about stepping onto the BBC show’s dance floor with professional partner Neil Jones.

Speaking to Metro, she confessed: “I am very shy about my legs. My legs have never been great, but they are strong, brilliant, and work for me. I had to expose that vulnerability. ”

She also mentioned her discomfort with the footwear, saying: “The shoes didn’t suit me greatly. I don’t tend to wear strappy shoes. I was having to do things that I would never normally do, and this is why I went into ‘Strictly.'”

• Continue reading this Metro article at www.msn.com.

Lots of Toyah related Strictly news over the past day or so again, reporting that Toyah was offered to be paired with two other dancers for the series before being paired with Neil Jones.