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Sparkling set from Toyah closes Devizes Arts Festival

The stage of the Devizes’ Corn Exchange was set for a spectacular performance on Saturday night and Toyah didn’t disappoint. She took the audience, many of whom were lifelong fans, through her back catalogue of hits, including ‘It’s a Mystery’ and ‘I want to be free’. Toyah was 60 earlier this year but you wouldn’t have thought it as she danced and jumped around, wearing a gold dress which sparkled as she moved.

Her performance was even more impressive when she revealed that this was her second gig of the day!

Many of Toyah’s fans have a connection with her which goes back nearly 40 years and they loved every minute of the gig.

It was a night to remember and a fitting end to the main programme of this year’s Devizes Arts Festival.

• Continue reading at the Gazette & Herald.

Our patron Toyah Willcox visits The Old Rep

A friend of The Old Rep and patron Toyah Willcox visited us on Friday 8 June to see her dedicated seat plaque in our auditorium.

Greeted at stage door by our Executive Director Michael Penn and General Manager Gary Stevens, Toyah was extremely excited as this was her first time back at the theatre in almost 30 years, back when she used to attend our Old Rep Drama School at the age of just 14.

Toyah’s dedicated seat plaque is located in our stalls, it reads:

‘a space where true happiness was found’

Willcox went on to thank The Old Rep for their hospitality, and said “This is where it all began for me, thank you”.

• Continue reading at The Old Rep Theatre. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)

Another busy weekend of concerts for Toyah, with a pair of 80s Weekender shows last night and on Sunday, a visit to Let’s Rock Leeds this afternoon and a band gig on the penultimate day of Devizes Arts Festival this evening. The festival runs from 31st May – 17th June. Toyah’s gig takes place at Devizes Corn Exchange.

Toyah & her Full Electric Band

Saturday 16th June: Corn Exchange: 8:00pm | £20 Standing only

From punk princess to cult stage actress and high priestess of TV, Toyah Willcox is a uniquely gifted performer and an inextinguishable flame. Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, she is one of Britain’s iconic household names – an award-winning rock legend as well as a much-loved stage/screen actress and music composer. In a career spanning over 35 years she has amassed 13 top 40 singles, recorded 24 albums and toured live across the world.

In this lively and energetic concert with her full live electric band you can expect to hear hit singles Good Morning Universe, Thunder In The Mountains and It’s A Mystery alongside classics Neon Womb, Danced and Ieya.

• Continue reading at the Devizes Arts Festival website.

Headliners announced for world’s biggest lesbian festival

L Fest takes place in Llandudno next month and two stars form the 80s are topping the bill

The headline acts for “L Fest” the world’s largest lesbian festival have been confirmed. Toyah Willcox and Katrina from Katrina and the Waves will top the bill at the concert which is being held at Bodafon Farm Park, Llandudno between Friday July 13 and Monday July 16.

With a month until the festival gets underway, the organisers have announced the two “global 80’s icons” who will take centre stage. Katrina will headline on the Saturday and Toyah Willcox will top the bill on Sunday.

• Continue reading at the North Wales Daily Post. (Photo from 1985 © Daily Record)

Toyah Willcox and Katrina from Katrina and the Waves to headline world’s biggest lesbian festival

Toyah Willcox and Katrina and the Waves will be headlining “the world’s biggest lesbian festival” in July. L Fest, which takes place in Llandudno, north Wales, is going back to the Eighties to provide entertainment for its queer female audience.

“ONE MONTH TO GOOOOO and we have something to shout about, we are sooo excited at HQ. Here are our headliners for L Fest 2018 and as we know how so many of you love your 80’s, we have not one but two GLOBAL 80’s ICONS for you!” wrote L Fest on its Facebook page.

• Continue reading at Pink News.

A review of Toyah’s gig at The O2 Academy, Newcastle on Saturday, by Northeast Music Guide.

Toyah emerged covered in gold. Good Morning Universe was the opening number, an ageless classic. Toyah had a sparkle in her eye and energy that belies her 60 years. Next, from album Anthem: We Are. Toyah’s introduction suggested it should have been a single. Very in the vein of 8th Day, by Hazel O’Connor.

Her cover of Echo Beach was, in our opinion, better than the Martha And The Muffins original.

Inroducing Thunder in the Mountains, Toyah mentions the mad 80s videos. This song got some early audience participation. Toyah told us about Neon Womb, which was written 40 years ago whilst filming with Katherine Hepburn. Being lonely in hotel rooms as a young woman inspired this claustrophobic track.

Next was Rebel Run and then a song for those who got into trouble with their mothers for dying their hair pink:  Be Proud Be Loud ( Be Heard). Toyah is wonderfully eccentric and loved by the appreciative audience as she twirls and takes a bow at the end.

• Continue reading at Northeast Music Guide. (Words and photos: Joanne Oliver for Jowheretogo and Carliol Photography)

Here’s our 22nd round-up of 2018 of concerts, plays and other shows on in the north east over the next seven days, including gigs by the Wedding Present, a version of Yes, Public Image Limited and Belly.

Pop veteran Toyah Willcox is playing at Newcastle’s O2 Academy tomorrow, June 9. The West Midlands-born 60-year-old is best known for her 1981 EP, a No 4 hit featuring the track It’s a Mystery, and the single Thunder in the Mountains, also a No 4 that year.

Tickets to see the band, together from 1978 to 1992 and since 2009, cost £30.35. Stephanie Clift and Larry Love and Special Sorta Beat will be supporting. For details, go to academymusicgroup.com/o2academynewcastle.

• Continue reading at News Guardian. NB: Not quite sure about those band dates quoted above!!

Win weekend camping tickets for Rewind Festival 2018

Rewind Festival has announced the epic line up for their 10-year anniversary extravaganza with more acts on the bill and vibrant entertainment than ever before across nine days

Toyah Willcox said: “There is nothing quite like Rewind. The atmosphere is electric every time. So many brilliant artists on one stage in front of the happiest, bopping festivalgoers. My favourite memories? Holly Johnson, Marc Almond, Jimmy Somerville, The Quo and many more. I’ve played many times and loved every moment, but Henley 2016 will always stick in my mind. On one of the rare occasions it rained, to witness 20,000 umbrellas pogoing up and down was a joy! Rewind proves great music is eternal.”

• Continue reading at Perth Gazette. Toyah is Guest Presenting at Rewind South, Henley-On-Thames on 18th August 2018.

Havering Show: Toyah Willlcox Fairkytes Live Stage
27th August 2018: 1600 – 1700
Harrowlodge Park, Hornchurch Rd RM11 1JR

We are delighted to announce Toyah Willcox and her band will be the headliner on the Fairkytes Live stage at this years Havering Show.

Toyah will be performing on the Monday 27th August at 4pm. Be sure not to miss this FREE event!

Fairkytes Live will be hosting a live music stage for the Sunday and Monday of the bank holiday weekend between 11-5 pm. we have some great performances from local bands and singers. Be sure to look out for our line up!

• Continue reading here. Further info on The Havering Show here and here.

Artwork designed by celebrated singer, actress and Pershore resident Toyah Willcox has been used to decorate a giraffe sculpture for the Worcester Stands Tall trail.

The prolific performer, whose career has spanned more than 40 years, themed her design around the idea of ‘making a wish’ – with the giraffe covered in stars, animals and children.

‘Touch the Wishing Stars’ has been brought to life on the eight foot, fibreglass sculpture by Malvern artist and illustrator Rachel Blackwell. The decorated giraffe will now be displayed alongside 29 others through the streets and open spaces of Worcester for 10 weeks from July 9 to September 16.

Ms Willcox said: “As a child, making a wish whilst holding my parents’ hands was one of the most thrilling and special things in my life.

“I am thrilled Rachel Blackwell has brought my design to life and I truly hope everyone discovers their inner child whilst making a wish.”

• Continue reading at the Evesham Observer.

Irlam Live is back and this year they’re offering a taste of the 80’s and 90’s with stars including The Stranglers and Toyah.

The festival which is in it’s third year takes place this weekend in Prince’s Park drawing crowds of around 8,000 people.

Toyah Willcox @toyahofficial: GLORIOUS day in IRLAM. setting up festival. Gran Canaria to Irlam in 8 hours. So happy to be here. On stage at 8.15.

• Continue reading at ITV News.

Artwork designed by celebrated singer and actress Toyah Willcox has been used to decorate a giraffe sculpture for the Worcester Stands Tall trail.

The prolific performer, whose career has spanned more than 40 years, themed her design around the idea of ‘making a wish’ – with the giraffe covered in stars, animals and children. The interactive design – titled ‘Touch the Wishing Stars’ – has been brought to life on the 8ft, fibreglass sculpture by Malvern artist and illustrator Rachel Blackwell.

The decorated giraffe will then be displayed alongside 29 others through the streets and open spaces of Worcester for 10-weeks from July 9th to September 16th.

• Continue reading at Worcester Stands Tall. (Photo © Worcester Stands Tall)

Toyah is interviewed in the latest issue of Woman’s Weekly magazine (Issue dated 5th June 2018).

The article reveals Toyah and Robert Fripp are being filmed for a documentary.

What biscuit would you like to dunk?
I’m non-wheat, non-dairy, so the only biscuits I eat are Nairn’s oatcakes. They do a low sugar, dark chocolate variety.

Do you think there’s pressure to look a certain way in the industry?
It’s incredibly important to look and be fit. There is pressure, yes. I think if I didn’t look the way I look, it would affect what I do and how I choose my work, but I go wholeheartedly with that. My shows are very energetic, and even the acoustic show’s a bit like a marathon because of how much I sing. I have a strict, 1,800-calorie-a-day rule, but that’s all you need. I never feel hungry, I never feel deprived and I fully respect my body is a machine.

• Woman’s Weekly is out now.

Sevenoaks mum writes and directs her first feature film – and sets it around the town

Filming for the psychological horror starts this summer and stars eighties diva Toyah Willcox along with two actors from Sevenoaks

A touch of Tinseltown will descend on Sevenoaks this summer after a mother-of-five decided to set her first feature film in the town.

Knockholt film director and writer, Jane Sanger will be joined by 80s diva Toyah Willcox and English actress Sophie Ward along with Hollywood producer Darren Denison to film the psychological horror in Sevenoaks and throughout Kent.

Former drama teacher, Mrs Sanger, 50, of Main Road, said she hoped the film, based on internet dating, would be distributed in America but promised a screening at the Sevenoaks Stag in the run up to its release later this year.

• Continue reading at Kent Live.

A fanatstic review for Toyah at yesterday’s Let’s Rock Norwich.

Toyah review: It’s a mystery how Echo Beach singer looks so great at 60

You could hear the gasps around Earlham Park when Toyah broke the news to the Let’s Rock that she had turned 60 last week.

No way! That was the general reaction from the huge crowd as they watched the punk rock/punk pop:New Romantic star bounce around the stage like a teenager in her retro sparkly aqua marine dress with huge silver necklace. She kicked off with Good Morning Universe and ran smoothly into Echo Beach. Her energy was amazing – her charisma was boundless.

• Continue reading at Norwich Evening News. (Photo © Simon Parkin – See Simon’s tweet about Toyah playing at Let’s Rock Norwich here)

Pointless host Richard Osman stunned by player’s shock admission: ‘Did I hear that right?’

Pointless hosts Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman were so taken aback by a contestant’s admission on the BBC programme, they had to ask her to explain herself.

Toyah Willcox was appearing on a music celebrities special of the BBC quiz when the moment unfolded. Just before it was Toyah’s turn to tackle the first question on Pointless, Alexander asked her how she got her big break. However, in doing so she make a surprise revelation that stunned both Alexander and Richard.

“Now Toyah, when did it all start for you, the showbiz career?”

Toyah, 60, explained: “I started at the age of 18. I was in a play with Noel Edmonds on BBC Two and then I was invited to join the National Theatre. But my singing started when I was at the National Theatre.”

• Continue reading at The Express.

BFI to release Derek Jarman’s ‘Jubilee’ in a 40th Anniversary Dual Format Edition on 18 June 2018

Following its inclusion in the BFI box set, Jarman Volume One: 1972-1986, BFI is set to release Derek Jarman‘s shocking cult classic, Jubilee, in a standalone 40th Anniversary Dual Format Edition release on 18 June 2018.

The film stars Jenny Runacre, Ian Charleson, Jordan, Nell Campbell, and Linda Spurrier, alongside a host of punk rockers including Toyah Willcox and Adam Ant.

The  40th Anniversary Blu-ray presentation is a 2K remaster taken from the original camera negatives.

In Jubilee Queen Elizabeth I (Jenny Runacre) and her occult aide Dr John Dee (Richard O’Brien) travel into the future, encountering the megalomania of big business as well as gangs of violent, marauding killers.

The mythological past and bleak future converge on the sparse grey streets of London in Jarman’s cult classic of the punk era, accompanied by electrifying punk rock numbers delivered by Jayne County and Adam Ant.

• Continue reading at The Arts Shelf. See further info and details on the Special Features. Pre-order the Jubilee: 40th Anniversary Dual Edition for a reduced price at Amazon.

10 facts about 10 acts at Let’s Rock Norwich!

Retro hits will draw thousands to Earlham Park in Norwich on Saturday. Simon Parkin looks at who will be taking to the stage at Let’s Rock Norwich!

The Let’s Rock! tour was held in Norwich for the first time last year and drew a sell-out crowd. Its success means the retro music festival returns and will also feature chart-topping hits from the likes of Jason Donovan, Sonia, Real Thing, T’pau, Katrina, China Crisis, Toyah and Sonia.

LET’S ROCK NORWICH! — 10 FACTS ON 10 ACTS

Toyah – Charismatic, outspoken and impossible to categorise, the restless punk-pop performer has had eight Top 40 singles, written books and appeared in films including Quadrophenia and Derek Jarman’s Jubilee.

• Continue reading at Norwich Evening News. See Toyah’s recent tweet about playing Let’s Rock Norwich. (Toyah photo © Toyah Willcox / Others from Norwich Evening Post/UK Live)

Exclusively on vinyl next month comes eighties alternative. This offers 30 ‘alternative’ eighties songs from a variety of artists including Scritti Politti, Pixies, Propaganda, Bauhaus and John Foxx.

As is often the case with these kind of compilations the definition of ‘alternative’ is rather broad, so as well as the artists above, tracks from Howard Jones, Bronski Beat and Dead Or Alive also feature.

No CD release for this 2LP set, which is clearly designed to appeal to those who have re-embraced vinyl, and it’s pretty good value at under £17 in the UK. eighties alternative is released on 1 June 2018 on Demon Records.

• Continue reading at Super Deluxe Edition. More info on this here. (NB: I Want To Be Free by Toyah is included on LP2 of this double vinyl album).

Toyah – Acoustic Up Close and Personal
SELLING FAST
Saturday 2nd June 2018

Household name, pop icon, TV presenter, and stage/screen actress (Calamity Jane, Cabaret, Peter Pan, Jubilee, Quadrophenia) Toyah comes to Acapela in June with her Acoustic, Up Close & Personal show.

A talented duo of guitarists, Chris Wong and Colin Hinds, accompany Toyah on meticulous and melodic acoustic versions of the hits It’s A Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains, I Want To Be Free and Good Morning Universe through to Sensational.

Joining the above on this occasion is bass player Mike Nichols.

• Continue reading/Book tickets at acapela.co.uk.

Great retro shot of Toyah and Gary Davies (from 1987) included in yesterday’s Manchester Evening News feature on the DJ returning to BBC Radio… Gary Davies pictured in the 1980s with music icon Toyah Willcox. (Photo © Peter Stone/DailyMirror)