Classic Toyah has made it on to the catwalk via Raf Simons Spring 2019 collection. See Toyah’s tweet by clicking below. (Photos © Raf Simons)
“At last TOUCH THE WISHING STAR for Worcester Stands Tall is installed on Worcester High Street and it looks fab. Make your wish! xxx” Toyah at Twitter. (Photo © Toyah Willcox)
Going Live: Vintage TV: Saturday 14th July: 4pm
Vintage TV Originals make up some of our most memorable exclusive performances, starring Toyah Willcox, Andy Bell, Steve Harley and so many more.
The first series of The Older Woman, the six-part radio drama which was originally broadcast in 1993, is currently airing again on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Toyah plays Elsa, alongside Martun Clunes and Zoë Wanamaker as Roy and Jane in this excellent, and slightly surreal, drama by Tony Bagley. Toyah also performs the theme song to The Older Woman.
The series, produced by Paul Schlesinger, also features David Troughton, Geoff McGivern, David Holt, Keith Drinkel and Melanie Hudson in a variety of roles.
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 9th July: 7am
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 9th July: 5pm
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Tuesday 10th July: 5am
Episode 3 of 6. Roy’s quest to insinuate himself further into Jane’s good books gets a new lease of life when she requests his help to save a tree. Stars Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Clunes and Toyah Willcox. From January 1993.
Can a team of pop stars, doctors and nurses help the NHS top the charts?
Toyah Willcox says she was lucky. Back in the day, they used to lop off dodgy legs like hers. But her mother – and the NHS – came to the rescue. The musician and actor was born with a twisted spine, no hip sockets, clawed feet, a clubbed right foot and one leg two inches shorter than the other. “It was a time when the way you dealt with a problem was to remove it, so my mother fought for my leg. My mother saved my leg.”
Twice a day, she was given intensive physio by her mother, and every six months she had corrective surgery. Willcox flexes her impressive biceps. “See, I hold myself through my own muscle strength. That is why I’m built like Arnold Schwarzenegger. I’m really muscular because my mother had to teach me how to straighten my own spine. It wasn’t good for my relationship with her because she was dictatorial about it, but in the end I was able to disguise what I had. I always wore boots and my raise was hidden in them.” At 51, she had an operation to make her legs the same length.
• Continue reading at The Guardian.
Aaaaaaaah!: Film 4: Thursday 19th July: 2.25am
Writer-director-star Steve Oram’s experimental satire is set in a parallel present in which, despite wearing clothing and developing advanced technology, mankind never attained the power of speech. Instead, people communicate in gestures and non-verbal vocalisms, ranging from grunts to whistles and growls. And this isn’t the only similarity to our great ape cousins, as social and sexual behaviour is closer to that of gorillas or bonobos and is completely shorn of social niceties. The film opens with a grieving alpha male and his companion ritually urinating on a photo of the dominant male’s wife to mark her loss. They then move through woodland and into London’s sprawling suburbs, intent on staking out new territory for themselves…
Starring: Jade Alexander, Julian Barratt, Missa Blue, Holli Dempsey, Marcus Dempsey, Noel Fielding, Toyah Willcox.
• Aaaaaaaah! @ Dreamscape: Browse all of our related news…
Celebrity Money For Nothing: BBC1: Monday 16th July: 3.30pm
Series 1, Episode 1. Sarah Moore and Jay Blades search the homes of celebrities to uncover unloved and unused gems for charity. Sarah and Jay look through the homes of 1980s pop stars Sinitta and Toyah Willcox in the hope of uncovering four pieces of junk to transform and sell on for a profit. Woodworking wizard Norman Wilkinson is tasked with taking on Toyah’s tired chairs, while robot-mad Mark Haig gives Sinitta’s broken fan a steampunk-inspired makeover. But will Sarah and Jay find new homes for their revamped items?
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Friday 20th July: 3.30pm
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Sunday 22nd July: 9am
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Monday 23rd July: 10.30am
Blue Marigold. Series 5, Episode 1. Dropped by her agency for her diva-like behaviour, supermodel Marigold’s mental health deteriorates. Years later, she plots a comeback. Director: Giles Foster. Starring: Toyah Willcox, Ralph Bates, Sharon Duce, Helen Fraser, Billy Hamon, Edward Jewesbury.
The Chase: Celebrity Special: ITV4: Friday 20th July: 8pm
Bradley Walsh hosts the quiz show as four celebrities take on the Chaser. Singer Toyah Willcox, ex-footballer John Barnes, writer Germaine Greer and heavyweight boxer Audley Harrison pit their wits against one of the country’s finest quiz brains in the hope of winning thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.
• The Big NHS Singalong Live: Toyah is taking part in this celebration of 70 years of the NHS! – On Wednesday 4th July we will celebrate 70 years of the NHS as talented NHS staff, famous faces and people right across the country come together to sing a special version of The Beatles classic ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ live on ITV’s one off televised event – The Big NHS Singalong Live – Continue reading…
• Toyah @ Twitter: “Joining The Big NHS Singalong Live at Abbey Rd Studios tonight for ITV 9pm ….. let’s break that world record! Good Luck all” – Continue reading…
• Vulture Hound: ‘As long as the music’s loud enough..’ – Jubilee (Film Review): Punk rebellion combined with the juxtaposition of royal mystical ambience is what makes this film rather strange yet special at the same time. Derek Jarman depicts a rather fantastical manic portrayal which harmoniously emphasises the dramatic change of youth movement within the 1970’s era of Britain – Continue reading…
• Worcester News: One Week to go until Worcester Stands Tall Launch: Final preparations are under way for the launch of an art trail that will see 30 giraffes placed around Worcester – The large sculptures have been decorated by artists both from the local area and across the UK, while one is designed by singer and actress Toyah Willcox – Continue reading…
• Wild In Art: Celebrated singer designs giraffe for trail: 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 – (Photo © Worcester Stands Tall) Continue reading…
• Beacon: Relive the Good Times – Jack Up The 80s: This year’s Jack Up The 80s takes place on August 11th and 12th at Smallbrook Stadium, Ryde. The stellar line up includes Grammy award-winning music legend Leo Sayer, soul sensations Shalamar, British pop rock group T’Pau, punk princess Toyah Willcox, Jaki Graham, an exclusive DJ set from Martin Kemp, the one and only Chesney Hawkes, Brother Beyond and many more – Continue reading…
The Big NHS Singalong Live: ITV: Wednesday 4th July: 9pm
On the 4th July 2018, the night before the NHS’s 70th birthday, a host of famous stars will assemble to raise much-needed cash for the service.
Punk icon Toyah Willcox, wife of Robert Fripp and now long-time Wiltshire and Dorset resident, comes to Strode Theatre in Street on Friday 6th July for an intimate evening of music and memories.
Since the late 1970s, when she was the flame-haired idol of the pop punks, Toyah has expanded her repertoire, presenting on television and acting on stage and screen, including cult films Jubilee and Quadrophenia.
At Street she will be performing an unplugged set of her best-loved hits and classic songs, and recalling stories from her colourful 35-year career.
In this entertaining and revealing show, musicians Chris Wong and Colin Hinds accompany Toyah on melodic acoustic versions of hits like It’s A Mystery, Thunder In The Mountains, I Want To Be Free and Good Morning Universe; and with anecdotes about adventures like filming pop videos on horseback at 5am in the morning, or acting alongside Katharine Hepburn and Laurence Olivier.
The show starts at 7.30. For more details, telephone 01458 442846 or visit the website, www.strodetheatre.org.uk
• Continue reading at The Fine Times Recorder.
The Vintage TV Sessions, with Toyah performing acoustic versions of Thunder In The Mountains and I Want To Be Free, which originally aired in March 2014, is repeated this week.
The Vintage TV Sessions: Vintage TV: Thursday 5th July: 4am
Five great acts sing two songs apiece at our Vintage TV Sessions: indie rockers The Struts, punk princess Toyah Willcox, singers Judie Tzuke and Josephine and Nik Kershaw.
Dust off your shoulder pads, pull on your legwarmers and book in for a perm – we’re offering the ultimate back to the 80s concert in the show-stopping location of Bali!
Your holiday begins with a four night stay on the beautiful island of Bali where you’ll enjoy an exclusive Back to the 80s concert. Sitting high on the clifftops overlooking popular Kuta on Bali’s west coast, Puri Bhagawan is the perfect venue to enjoy a spectacular evening of music and entertainment. This is one of the best places in Bali to watch the sunset, so as the concert begins you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of sky and sea lit up with fiery steaks of colour. With a show stopping line-up featuring some of the best-loved stars from this epic decade, including Toyah, T’Pau, Belinda Carlisle, Midge Ure and Marc Almond you’re guaranteed an unforgettable holiday of sun, sand and 80s pop stars!
Includes a Hotel Stay in Bali, Asia Cruise & Exclusive Back to the 80’s Concert
Bali has it all: cliffside temples overlooking the sea, tranquil sunsets that turn sweet-smelling nutmeg forests gold and volcanos looped with walking trails that reveal beautiful views. Whether you’re after rich cultural experiences or sandy beaches, you won’t be disappointed.
Your Experience/Package Includes:
Royal Caribbean Cruises: 10 nights, Departing 11 June 2019 on board Voyager of the Seas®
• Continue reading at Imagine Cruising.
The first series of The Older Woman, the six-part radio drama which was originally broadcast in 1993, is currently airing again on BBC Radio 4 Extra.
Toyah plays Elsa, alongside Martun Clunes and Zoë Wanamaker as Roy and Jane in this excellent, and slightly surreal, drama by Tony Bagley. Toyah also performs the theme song to The Older Woman.
The series, produced by Paul Schlesinger, also features David Troughton, Geoff McGivern, David Holt, Keith Drinkel and Melanie Hudson in a variety of roles.
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 2nd July: 7am
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Monday 2nd July: 5pm
The Older Woman: BBC Radio 4 Extra: Tuesday 3rd July: 5am
Episode 2 of 6. Can Roy impress Jane by joining a green pressure group? Meanwhile, Pavarotti appears in his dreams with some invaluable advice. Stars Zoe Wanamaker, Martin Clunes and Toyah Willcox. From January 1993.
• Below are a couple of Radio Times clippings with a little more detail about the series, published when The Older Woman originally aired in January 1993. (Thanks to Anthony Lewis)
Trailblazers: Sky Arts: Friday 13th July: 5pm
Trailblazers: Sky Arts: Saturday 14th July: 3.05am
Trailblazers: Sky Arts: Sunday 15th July: 12pm
Punk. Narrated by Noddy Holder, this eye-opening series turns its attention to the origins of punk music. With Toyah Willcox and DJ Annie Nightingale. (Episode, Series 1, Episode 5)
Toyah’s legendary Ieya is included on the new compilation CD/Download Extend The 80s Alternative.
Essential 12″ and Extended Mixes of 80s Alternative Tracks.
The 30-track album is released by BMG tomorrow and also includes extended versions of:
Club Country, and Party Fears Two by The Associates, The More You Live The More You Love by A Flock Of Seagulls, No Mercy by The Stranglers, Can’t Get Used To Losing You by The Beat, She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby, Waiting For A Train by Flash & The Pan, Absolutely Immune by Act, Going Left Right by Department S, Amour Amour by The Mobiles, Duel by Propaganda, Terry by Kirsty MacColl and many more.
• Further info at Amazon.
A Toyah first! She’s playing live in Finland for the very first time. Women Power features Toyah, Liz Mitchell of Boney M, Suzi Quatro and Finnish singing legend Muska Babitzin.
The closest Toyah ever previously got to playing a gig in Finland was on the Good Morning Universe European Tour tour when the band played Stockholm on 1st December 1981.
There are two Women Power concert dates in Finland but Toyah is playing in Helsinki only on 28th September. The others also play Oulu – in North West Finland – the next day.
The venues are big in both towns, the Helsinki one Jäähalli (literally Ice Hall) is a massive ice hockey arena which is used for the big name concerts.
Toyah Willcox has been called The Princess Of Punk for good reasons. In her 40 year career she has released 13 Top 40 singles, recorded 24 albums, written two books, appeared in over 40 stage plays, acted in over 20 feature films and been in hundreds of TV programmes. Toyah’s hit singles are It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Brave New World. During this year she celebrates her 60th birthday as well as 40 years in the show business.
• Further info here. (Many thanks to Keijo Seppänen and Min Kay for the info)
The biggest 80s festival to rock the Isle of Wight is back for a sixth year!
Hold on to your 80s ra-ra skirts for a little while longer and don’t chuck your roller boots away just yet, as the Isle of Wight is gearing itself up for the ultimate feel-good festival!
Jack Up The 80s is a three-day retro pop festival in its sixth year and provides a family weekend of musical entertainment from household chart names, food, attractions, kids arts and crafts and stalls.
The event is fast making a name for itself as the most fun festival on the South Coast. It offers an unbeatable atmosphere and is completely safe, inclusive and affordable for all. In excess of £20,000 has been raised in the past 2 years for local charities and good causes.
Pop punk princess, Toyah Willcox joins Jack Up The 80’s line up. Toyah is one of the most iconic artists of the decade with a career spanning over 35 years. She has had 13 top 40 singles, recorded 24 albums and toured live across the world.
• Continue reading at Visit South East England. Visit the Jack Up The 80s website. Browse our Jack Up the 80s news.
It’s hard to believe that Punk is well over 40 years old, largely heralded by the release of the Sex Pistols ‘Anarchy in the UK’, in the Britain at any rate. Punk meant different thing to different people: to the Sex Pistols and The Clash it was a working-class reaction or counter-reaction, to Malcolm McLaren it was a marketing ploy and to the likes of Vivienne Westwood it was a fashion statement. For art film director Derek Jarman it became an anarchic artistic statement.
Of course Jarman himself was not a punk, but he certainly tapped into the spirit of the age and was even able to insert his own brand of camp into the punk scene with his film Jubilee (1978). The BFI release of Jubilee is released in addition to the BFI’s recent 6 film box-set release, ‘Derek Jarman Volume One: 1972 – 1986’ to observe the films 40 year anniversary.
The narrative of the film is sometimes hard to follow, but makes more statements than having any narrative or even making much in the way of sense. It opens with Queen Elizabeth I (Jenny Runacre) being transported to 1970s London by her occultish aide, Dr. John Dee (Richard O’Brien) and find a place riven with political and social unrest. We are then introduced to some of the key figures in the film: punk girls Mad (Toyah Willcox) and Amyl-Nitrate (Jordan), along with Kid (Adam Ant, real name Stuart Goddard), Crabs (Nell Campbell), Chaos (Hermine Demoriane) and Bod (Runacre again in a dual role). They get up to all sorts in the flat and include killing a one-night stand in a asphyxiation game. All sorts of adventures take place including starting a punk band called Scum while revolt and social unrest, including police brutality increases.
• Continue reading at Filmwerk.
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, with Toyah and Tony Blackburn, which originally aired in October 2011 on BBC Two, is showing again in early July on Really – Sky 142, Virgin Media 129, Freeview 17, Freesat 160, Sky (Ireland) 155 – Click below to view larger screen caps. (Photo © BBC)
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip: Really: Saturday 7th July: 12pm
Celebrity Antiques Road Trip: Really: Monday 9th July: 6pm
Series 1, Episode 4. Tony Blackburn and Toyah Willcox take to the road with antiques experts Charlie Ross and Charles Hanson. Their journey starts in the historic town of York and ends up with an auction in Stansted, Essex.
