Dreamscape | The Toyah Willcox Fansite

There’s not much to be said for this one (the trailer is only 34 seconds long after all) but a fan of surreal British comedy might get a few kicks out of the Aaaaaaaah! trailer. Aaaaaaaah! (yes, with eight A’s and the exclamation point) is the (probably mentally disturbed) brainchild of Steve Oram, who’s worked with some of the UK’s best (and weirdest) talents: he co-starred in, and co-wrote Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers; appeared in Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg’s The World’s End; acted in Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding’s The Mighty Boosh – Barratt and Fielding both have roles in Aaaaaaaah!; and acted with Nick Frost and Chris O’Dowd in Cuban Fury.

Aside from Oram, Barratt, and Fiedling, the cast includes Tony Way (Game of Thrones), Alice Lowe (Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace), and Toyah Willcox (Jubilee, Quadrophenia, and Teletubbies, of course).

• Continue reading at mxdwn.com (All That Matters in Movies).

Superstars set to rock Roxwell in charity family festival organised by mum-of-three

Eighties pop star Toyah Willcox and X Factor’s Next Of Kin are set to rock a charity family festival organised by a local mum-of-three.

Sharon Alford, 44, is using the contacts she’s amassed in an eight-year career working for local radio stations like Saint FM and Chelmsford Community Radio, to put on the event in aid of three charities close to her heart – Essex Air Ambulance, Chelmsford Community Radio and Stanley’s Heroes.

The 44-year-old of Princes Avenue, Mayland, said: “I know what a good job the Air Ambulance does and when I heard about Stanley’s Heroes on Twitter I thought that I had to do something to help the family.”

• Continue reading at the Essex Chronicle. Browse our Soundstock Festival 2015 news here.

First trailer and poster for Steve Oram’s Aaaaaaaah!

The cult of personality would be enough to make Steve Oram‘s Aaaaaaaah! into an incredibly appealing prospect, and very possibly a cult hit; this thing is just jam-packed with favourite figures from British comedy and music.

Just to scratch the surface, there’s Oram himself; his former stage comedy partner Tom Meeten and Sightseers co-star Alice Lowe; both halves of The Mighty Boosh; Tony Way; Toyah Willcox; and the music is by Willcox’s husband, Robert Fripp and his current band, The Crimson Projeckt.

But the real draw is the concept of the film, previously pitched by Oram as “Romeo and Juliet meets Planet of the Apes.”

None of the cast of characters get traditional dialogue, all of them left to communicate through grunts and groans, and their often-animalistic actions. This poster pretty much hits the nail on the head.

• Continue reading at Film Divider.

Ooooh! It’s The First NSFW Trailer For Steve Oram’s AAAAAAAAH!

We have been chomping at the bit here at TwitchFilm to get a look at Steve Oram’s directorial feature debut, Aaaaaaaah! (that’s eight “As”) and now the first teaser trailer for the film has arrived.

Pitched as “Romeo & Juliet meets Planet of the Apes”, Oram’s debut is an insanely surreal concept, with all performers eschewing traditional dialogue in favour of simian-like grunts, roars and howls. Featuring a who’s who of British comedy talent, including Oram himself, Alice Lowe, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Noel Fielding, Julian Barratt and 80s punk princess Toyah Willcox to name just a few, Aaaaaaaah! is quickly becoming one of the most hotly anticipated films of the year. It doesn’t have a release date yet, but it better be soon!

• Continue reading at TwitchFilm.

Eighties star Toyah talks Fifty Shades of Grey, Seattle fairtytales and her upcoming concert in Carlisle.

Toyah Willcox in Fifty Shades of Grey shocker! When the singer saw the trailer for this blockbusting film at the cinema, something seemed familiar. “It was partly shot in an apartment I have been trying to buy in Seattle for the past two years!” she says.

“I just laughed when I saw it. My husband and I commute between Seattle and England. It’s always fun when you see Seattle on films and programmes.”

Seeing the apartment in a film about a sado-masochistic relationship has not put her off buying it. “I’m even keener on it,” she says. “It’s got good provenance!”

Toyah is coming to Cumbria this summer as part of Ultimate Ladies Night at Carlisle Racecourse.

• Continue reading at Cumbria Live.

Toyah – pushing the boundaries as she visits next week

Toyah Willcox’s 38-year career in the spotlight represents something of a split personality. Either one of those personalities – the actress or the singer – is a success in their own right.

While some singers have tried their hand at acting and some actors have flirted with the idea of releasing songs, Toyah has been doing both in tandem, and somehow separately, for her entire career.

“I couldn’t break my career into parts,” she explained. “This year I’m singing three times a week and I’m writing a lot. I have to deliver at least 20 songs a year. That’s what I do. At the same time I’m starring in a British film called Extremis which finishes shooting in three weeks. I just like to always be doing something.”

Toyah’s latest music project, The Humans, combines her vocals with two bass guitars – and that’s it. There are no drums and no lead guitars, meaning Toyah’s voice has to effectively become another instrument.

“We’re pushing the boundaries,” she said. “I like the bass as an instrument. I like its whole timbre and what we’re doing is incredibly exciting. When you think about any classic rock song, it’s the bass as well as the drum that really makes the song. The Humans are really a homage to what a wonderful instrument the bass is.”

• Continue reading at the East Grinstead Courier.

A great new interview with Toyah, published yesterday, by UK Music Reviews.

Toyah Willcox, singer, songwriter and lead vocalist with The Humans chats with Kevin Cooper about how The Humans got together, acting in Quadrophenia, her solo acoustic tour and the tour of the UK with The Humans.

Toyah Willcox, singer, songwriter from the 1980’s and actor, formed The Humans in 2007 after her husband, Robert Fripp was too busy to perform at the birthday party of the President of Estonia. Having written a forty minute set, and toured Estonia with it in 2007, The Humans have since released three albums.

We Are The Humans was released in 2009, with the follow-up Sugar Rush being released in 2009. The latest album, Strange Tales was released in March 2014. As they prepare for a six date tour of the UK to promote The Humans, Toyah is also busy with her own acoustic tour, she is heavily involved with The Flashback and Rewind Festivals, as well as working on a new Toyah Willcox album together with her successful acting career.

Taking time out from her busy life, she had a chat with Kevin Cooper, and this is what she had to say.

• Continue reading at UK Music Reviews.

Toyah recently tweeted about filming a new horror film, Extremis. Here is a little further info on the film, and a recent press report on the production…

Extremis, a GSP Studios feature production currently shooting in South Yorkshire and starring David O’Hara (The Departed, Braveheart), Isabelle Allen (Lés Miserables), Lisa Gormley (Home and Away) and Toyah Willcox. (Thanks to Paul Stephenson)

Huddersfield Examiner: Film crews back in Huddersfield to shoot thriller Extremis

A film company has returned to Huddersfield to shoot another thriller. Julian and Lionel Hicks worked with North Light Studios in 2012 on their feature film Scintilla and are now back in town for a second time.

They have teamed up with York-based GSP Studios to produce award winning director, Steve Stone’s second feature Extremis, which is shooting partly on location in Huddersfield.

The new psychological thriller, Extremis, centres on a business executive who returns home to his family for the weekend. Within hours of his return a cataclysmic ‘event’ takes place and the world they inhabit becomes deserted and toxic.

• Continue reading at The Huddersfield Examiner.

A comprehensive article on Toyah & The Humans, and the forthcoming Telling Strange Tales UK Tour, at Rock Regeneration.

News: Toyah & The Humans Hit The Road On UK Tour New album, “Strange Tales” available on CD on tour

The Humans is of the transatlantic contemporary three-piece rock band comprising Toyah Willcox, Bill Rieflin and Chris Wong. Toyah & The Humans embark on a UK tour of six intimate concert dates this April taking in Uckfield, Gloucester, London, Southampton, Swansea & Chatham.

The Humans’ third album “Strange Tales”, recorded in Pearl Jam’s studio, is available digitally now and will be available exclusively on CD at the six UK tour dates.

The band is the brainchild of renowned singer, actress and household name Toyah Willcox and brings together three lifetimes of musical experience, experimentation and craftsmanship.

• Continue reading at Rock Regeneration.

Trey Gunn recently played at Trading Boundaries, Uckfield. The venue The Humans open their tour at next month (11th April – three weeks today). He also recently posted about the venue at his website, and also mentioned The Humans, Toyah and Robert…

March 1, 2015 Uckfield, UK – Trading Boundaries

Great venue. Very similar to some of the Swiss shows and the the French show. More like a theater scene where there is a built in, season-ticket-holding audience who comes particularly to this venue to see what they are putting on. At least that what it felt like to me. Could be that this was a really a room full of Eigenharp fanatics who were suffering Gabriel tunes in order to feed their Eigen-Fevers.

The folks running this are super fans. I saw a poster for Toyah and The Humans for upcoming gig (with fresh Crimsonoid, William Rieflin). When I met Tracy, one of the owners, she said that Robert and Toyah had come in for tea before.

• Continue reading at The Official Trey Gunn website.

Toyah was interviewed earlier today on Uckfield FM, discussing the forthcoming Toyah & The Humans UK Tour and much more.

Toyah Willcox needs little introduction having been a household name since the early 80s with platinum selling-albums, a string of top 40 UK hit singles and scores of prestigious screen and stage roles alongside Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier.

The Humans is, of course, the transatlantic contemporary three-piece rock band comprising Toyah Willcox, Bill Rieflin and Chris Wong. Toyah & The Humans embark on a UK tour of six intimate concert dates this April starting in Uckfield on 11th April, 2015 at Trading Boundaries.

• Continue reading/listen to the interview at Uckfield FM.

Win tickets to Toyah at The Talking Heads, Southampton

The 80s legend Toyah Willcox is bringing her latest band The Humans to Southampton for one night only and you could be there, thanks to The Breeze.

Toyah and the Humans will be on at The Talking Heads, Southampton on Thursday the 16th April (starts 7.30pm). And we have 5 pairs of tickets to give away!

To be in with a chance of winning, just enter your details below to enter the draw for the tickets- it’s that simple. The competition closes on 10th April at midnight.

• Continue reading/enter the competition at The Breeze. You can also enter at Jack FM.

We love to see an unexpected mash-up of TVO-connected folk – and yesterday saw one such combo: comedian Joey Page and iconic actress/singer, Toyah Willcox!

We’ve been showcasing Joey’s comedic output on these pages for some time, but if you’re wondering what links Toyah to TVO, for those of you not currently in the know she features in Steve Oram‘s new film, Aaaaaaaah! alongside a bevy of ‘our lot’ (Julian Barratt, Noel Fielding, Shelley Longworth, Alice Lowe, Tom Meeten, Sean Reynard, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Waen Shepherd, Tony Way and Steve himself ).

Joey and Toyah joined 6 Music presenter, Steve Lamacq and fellow guest, Gideon Coe, for this week’s Roundtable, where they reviewed new releases by Mumford and Sons, Mini Mansions featuring Alex Turner, Sharon Van Etten, Streets of Leredo, Johnny Marr, Pins and Gang Of Four.

• Continue reading at The Velvet Onion. Listen to last Thursday’s Steve Lamacq’s Roundtable at BBC iPlayer.

Singer Toyah Willcox with be coming to Kent next month with band The Humans.

The Humans’ third album ‘Strange Tales, recorded in Pearl Jam’s studio, is available digitally now and will be available exclusively on CD at the six UK tour dates. The band is the brainchild of Toyah Willcox and brings together three lifetimes of musical experience, experimentation and craftsmanship.

Ms Willcox is best-known for being a household name since the early 80s with platinum selling-albums, a string of top 40 UK hit singles and screen and stage roles alongside Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier.

Bill Rieflin is a respected figure from the us music scene and was the live drummer for rem for over ten years. Most recently he played drums on the Robbie Williams album Take the Crown and the no1 hit single Candy.

Chris Wong is a Cambridge-born musician and a professional guitarist, bass guitarist, arranger, orchestrator, composer and musical director. Alongside band work Chris musically directs extensively in musical theatre. His debut solo album The Edible Suite reflects his interest in jazz/funk/rock.

The Telling Strange Tales tour comes to Chatham On April 19, at the Britannia Theatre. For tickets call 0844 858 6656 or visit www.thebritanniakent.com. Tickets cost £20 on the door, or £15 in advance (plus a booking fee).

• Continue reading at Kent News.

She will be Up Close and Personal this month

The Musician in Leicester will welcome Toyah to the stage on March 26.

A spokesman said: “A colourful character, part of the ’80s post-punk New Wave scene, Toyah had considerable chart success with hits such as It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Brave New World. Alongside her ongoing recording career and role as a TV presenter, Toyah has also trod the boards with the lead role in the musical Anne Get Your Gun. (Dreamscape: Nope, it was Calamity Jane)

“Tonight Toyah will perform songs in acoustic form and take us on a journey through her life history.”

• Continue reading at the Hinckley Times.

TOYAH AND BELINDA CARLISLE AMONG STARS HEADING TO CITY FOR CONCERT

The very best of the 1980s will be relived during the ever-popular ladies’ night at Carlisle Racecourse this summer.

Stars such as Kid Creole and The Coconuts, Belinda Carlisle, Altered Images, Toyah and Sonia will be appearing on August 3 as part of the annual Ultimate Ladies’ Night celebration.

The five different music acts have amassed 17 UK top 10 hits during the very best of the 1980s, including number ones for Belinda Carlisle (Heaven Is A Place On Earth) and Sonia (You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You).

The event is one of the highlights of the county’s social calendar, combining an evening of flat racing with musical performances.

• Continue reading at the News & Star.

Belinda Carlisle, Toyah and Sonia amongst five acts to play Carlisle Racecourse

Carlisle Racecourse will have FIVE headline acts performing live at Ultimate Ladies’ Night this year, it was announced today (Mon Mar 9).

The appropriately named Belinda Carlisle will appear along with fellow 80s stars Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Toyah, Altered Images and Sonia at the Cumbrian track’s annual music and racing extravaganza on Monday August 3.

All five acts – appearing as the Here and Now tour – will perform consecutively on a giant trackside stage after the final race at the evening’s race meeting. Ultimate Ladies’ Night is a unique event as it is the only racing fixture in the world at which every horse in every race is ridden by a woman.

Toyah said: “I cannot wait for Here and Now to come to Carlisle.” As a keen historian, she added: “I will make time to visit the castle and the magnificent cathedral and then I can’t wait to perform. Here and Now is always an uplifting party of a concert. Every song from every artist is a winner and we always make sure the audience have the time of their lives. See you soon!”

• Continue reading at Cumbria Crack. See also ‘Carlisle is coming to Carlisle’: Ladies’ Night line up announced @ ITV News.

If you’re an avid Twitter user, you can’t help but have noticed the buzz mid-week when the poster for Aaaaaaah! was revealed.

Now that the details are out in the open, we can confirm that Steve Oram‘s directorial debut will star a cavalcade of comedic talent and a post-punk icon for good measure. In alphabeticalorder then, Aaaaaaah! will star: Julian Barratt, Holli Dempsey, Noel Fielding, Lucy Honigman, Shelley Longworth, Alice Lowe, Tom Meeten, Steve Oram, Sean Reynard, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Waen Shepherd, Tony Way and Toyah Willcox.

… Toyah Willcox, of course, has been crossing over between a successive music career and acclaimed roles on stage and screen for over 35 years now, with roles in Jubilee, Quadrophenia, The Tempest, Barmy Aunt Boomerang and Secret Diary of a Call Girl showcasing her range, and a string of classic albums including Anthem, The Changeling, Prostitute, Velvet Lined Shell and In The Court of the Crimson Queen behind her, she still tours the UK regularly with her live band, and records with her side-project The Humans. Like many of the stars of Aaaaaaah!, TVO is a bit of a fan…

• Continue reading at The Velvet Onion.

“I’m so very pleased and proud to be a part of this truly strange and wonderful film!” TOYAH xxx

The film poster for AAAAAAAAH! has been released. A film by Steve Oram (Sightseers), the British film stars Julian Barratt, Steve Oram, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Noel Fielding, Alice Lowe, Toyah Willcox, Sean Reynard, Tom Meeten, Holli Dempsey, Shelly Longworth and Tony Way.

The film is set for release in 2015.

Written and directed by Steve Oram | Produced by Lincoln Studios | Featuring music by King Crimson ProjecKts.

• Continue reading at The Official Toyah Willcox website.

Proudest bloody day of my life. Us here at Lincoln Studios have finished our first ever feature film!!!! It’s called AAAAAAAAH! I almost had to be given the kiss of life when I finished watching it round the director’s place last night. I collapsed to the floor head in hands, I was so overwhelmed. It was better than when I finally opened the salon in Grantham after 16 months of crap with the contractors. It is a fantastic feeling for me but the credit goes to the brilliant actors, crew and production team.

Here’s the poster for AHHHHHHH!!!! Shitting hell it’s brilliant isn’t it! And f-ing creepy. Won’t be putting it on my wall. Don’t fancy seeing that when I get up for a pee in the night, I’d probably wet myself on the landing!!!! Designed by an American feller called Jay Shaw I think, who has relatives in North Hykeham. Yours. Derek Evans

• Continue reading at Lincoln Studios.

AND THE REST… As always, here’s some of the news you may have missed during the last week, via our Twitter feed.

We’ll see you again next Monday, and throughout the week for more news, reviews and interviews. Keep on peeling!

Toyah Willcox @toyahofficial: Just watched AHHHHHH the movie with the cast. WOW. really really naughty, weird and incredibly wonderful. a very modern love story xxx

• Continue reading at The Velvet Onion.