Toyah Willcox has a highly successful, prolific and incredibly diverse career. Her major hit records and many prestigious stage and screen roles have made her one of Britain's biggest household names.

In a career spanning over 30 years, Toyah has had 13 top 40 singles, recorded 20 albums, written 2 books, appeared in over 40 stage plays, made 10 feature films and presented hundreds of television programmes from The Good Sex Guide Late to Songs Of Praise.  Toyah has also appeared in ITV2’s Secret Diary of a Call Girl, as the mother of lead character played by Billie Piper.

Her acting career began at the Old Rep Drama School, in her hometown Birmingham. Her first notable role came in 1977 when film director Derek Jarman offered her the role of Mad in seminal punk epic ‘Jubilee’. Later that year, she put together the first embryonic line up of her own band. Toyah continued to gain ever-strong roles, appearing alongside Katherine Hepburn in the film, The Corn is Green, as well as playing 'Monkey' in the legendary Quadrophenia.

RTN was given an exclusive interview when she appeared in the Sparkles Showbar, Yumbo Centre, Playa del Ingles.  A softly spoken and incredibly nice lady, Toyah had this to say to our reporter:

Toyah, have you ever visited Gran Canaria before?  And what made you take up the offer?

This is the first time I've been to Gran Canaria, and when Sparkles Showbar asked me to take part in their Gay Pride celebrations I welcomed the opportunity.  It was good fun riding on the float this afternoon and seeing my many fans.

Have you managed to see anything of the island whilst here?

No, only the hotel room, as usual!

Where is your next tour and when?

Firstly it's back to the UK, where I have a number of tours organised throughout the country at various festivals and big parks, then I'm off to Seattle to write another album, then on tour again in the US.  Autumn will find me back in the UK to start the new Vampires Rock show.

Are there any problems with travelling all the time and being away?

No, not at all.  I am very Bohemian and love to travel and I'm grateful that I can.

What do you think about shows like the X Factor and Britain's Got Talent?

They've got it right in the UK.  It spreads a bit of happiness into the lives of many, both those taking part and those watching.  It's getting increasingly difficult for records companies to find and produce new talent, so these programmes are a good showcase for up and coming future stars.

What about the credit crunch, has it affected you personally?

Yes, the same way as everyone really.  The property I own is now worth nearly 20% less than it was.  But what goes around comes around and I still have my investment properties in the South of France.

What's your best buy?

An apartment I bought in the south of France overlooking the harbour in a very old town. There are 67 steps up to it and I love it to death.

How do you manage to keep so slim and stay so full of energy?

I never eat processed foods, eat healthily, no alchohol, although sometimes I would love to have the odd drink, I love my circuit gigs, and just generally enjoy what I do.

What advice could you give to new aspiring Vocalists, Groups etc?

Be seen as much as possible.  Do the pubs, clubs, street corners.  Television is changing, there is now much less advertising, so get yourself a decent website and post video clips on it.  Keep your visibility high.

And finally, if you were granted one wish, what would that be?

To know, and be able to choose the work I do, and also to never retire!

Toyah continues to work in all fields of the media and refuses to compromise any aspect of her multi-faceted and varied career.

Round Town News
May 2009