• Toyah was the first guest on a new programme called My Way this afternoon on ITV1 in the Meridian region. This was a thirty minute special with Toyah being interviewed on the stage of the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Clips from the 'I Want To Be Free' and 'Thunder In The Mountains' videos were shown as well as a series of black and white photographs, many of which were used in Toyah's autobiography, 'Living Out Loud'.

Thanks to Andrew York and Andi Westhorpe for the info.

• Toyah's involvement in I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!, starting tomorrow on ITV1 at 9pm, has resulted in lots of press and online news stories on her over the past few days, unfortunately not all of them entirely positive. However, Toyah was featured in a two-page 'Daily Mirror' interview yesterday (though not in Scotland, we got Shane Ritchie!!) and there have been lots of other articles/pieces on I'm A Celebrity ... , Calamity Jane, 'Velvet Lined Shell' and the like!

I'm A Celebrity contestant Toyah Willcox could bring a few bumps in the night to the jungle - after revealing she has been troubled by a poltergeist.

Toyah's ghostly presences stem from pent-up anger she felt at being bullied because of childhood disabilities  

I'm A Celebrity contestant Toyah Willcox could bring a few bumps in the night to the jungle - after revealing she has been troubled by a poltergeist.

The singer and actress has told how the ghostly presences stemmed from pent-up anger she felt at being bullied because of childhood disabilities.

The singer and actress has told how the ghostly presences stemmed from pent-up anger she felt at being bullied because of childhood disabilities.

In an interview for regional ITV show My Way, she said: "I am the most angry person I know. Everything I do comes from anger."

TV viewers will see the former chart star tackle the hazards of the Australian jungle from Monday night in I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!.

In her interview, with Meridian TV, she said: "When I was younger I had visitations, like poltergeists, all related to my being angry."

As a child she had a clawed foot and twisted spine, she was overweight, suffered from dyslexia, and spoke with a lisp. It led to bullying from other kids.

"When I was four-and-a-half in kindergarten they used to strangle me with shoelaces until I passed out, they asphyxiated me," she said.

"They used to like to make me cry. And this, I have only realised in the last few years, is probably what has caused a lifetime of anger.

She recently came face to face with one of her tormentors.

"Last year a woman came up to me in tears at an awards ceremony and she said to me `I am the girl that used to strangle you, and I want you to know that it has ruined my life, the guilt has destroyed me'.

"And we just held each other, and it even makes me cry thinking about it because I am really angry with her, really angry, and I think it is the most remarkable thing she could have done.

"And she was in hell over it, and I think there is forgiveness in the world, and I am really relieved she remembered it and she remembered it as vividly as I do."

As well as Toyah, the celebrities taking part in this year's series are: actress Danniella Westbrook, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell, model Catalina Guirado, weather presenter Sian Lloyd, chef Antony Worrall Thompson, dancer Wayne Sleep, actor Chris Bisson, ex-soccer star John Fashanu and Changing Rooms designer Linda Barker.

They will have to cope with insects, snakes and even a stinging "Gympie Gympie" tree when they set up camp at the foot of a dormant volcano in southern Queensland and compete for the public's affections.

A spokeswoman for the ITV show said the location was potentially more dangerous than that of the first series, which was also set in Queensland rainforest.

In the first series last year, socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson walked off into the jungle in frustration, but later returned to the show.

Viewers vote for who wins with the celebrities being evicted one by one.

Toyah Willcox is to release a new mini-album on 7 July. Velvet Lined Shell will feature six brand new tracks including Every Scar Has A Silver Lining and Troublesome Thing. 

According to Toyah her new recordings are inspired by the likes of Mogwai, Elbow, Nick Cave and Marilyn Manson. 

"I know that people will appreciate the darker direction I am taking," said the singer; "Hopefully it will appeal to those who still like their music to have little teeth." 

Toyah will also re-issue her Prostitute and Ophelia's Shadow albums on 19 and 26 May, respectively. 

The singer and TV-presenter is currently favourite to win the forthcoming series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! 

Toyah Willcox, currently starring in Calamity Jane, brings the musical to the West End's Shaftesbury Theatre from June 12-September 20. The transfer comes after a regional tour and further cast details are still to be announced. 

The picture in the print edition is different to that on the website.

Many thanks to Susan Hailes for the information.

She was introduced as "A woman who influenced a generation".

Toyah began by saying: "Morning. I'm feeling nicely scrubbed and fed. Feeling normal at the moment. I'm flying out tonight. I think it's going to be the wildest flight I've ever been on, we'll be eating the furniture.

Most of the coversation focused, obviously, on IACGMOOH though Toyah did also exclaim that she "wanted The Cheeky Girls (also guesting on the show) waistlines. I'd like to be their height as well. Everyone's taller than me. Ten-year-olds are taller than me. I must be 5' 1 on a good day!".

On the subject of IACGMOOH Toyah waxed lyrical: 

"I thought last year's was fantastic and that's why I wanted to do this series.

"I'm really looking forward to meeting Phil Tufnell. I'm a token bloke and I hear that he's fantastic. I like wrestling and flashing and doing things blokes do.

"If I'm bullied, if people boss me, I'm quite ferocious. My nickname is pitbull! I don't like being bossed. If someone towers down and bosses me I'll bite their kneecaps.

I'm hoping I'll get out there and forget the cameras. When there's cameras there I'm "Toyah Willcox", when I'm in private Toyah Willcox doesn't exist and I'm very, very different. I'm really naughty.

"They're hoping people will fall in love. I'm the oldest woman there. I'm worried about wearing a bikini anywhere near the rest of the girls - no way! The cellulite's on me. Daniella Westbrook lately, she's looking fantastic. I'm gonna be out there with a big paper bag and it's going right over my head!

"I'm doing it because I'm an adrenaline junkie. I'm physically, incredibly fit and I like being pushed to the limit. When I met the producers I said; 'Oh please let me climb trees, let me swing by ropes, let me go underground, anything!' I really can't wait to get into the rainforest.

"25 years ago I lived in a warehouse in Battersea, where every weekend it was an open house and 400 people would turn up. I've had some extreme situations and I have worked in jungles before.

"This year they are having celebrity buddies and Penny Smith has agreed to be mine. We are peas in a pod. She's going to blacken my name, I won't be able to come home.

"We are airdropped into the jungle on Monday, where we start live broadcast. It's so exciting. My dad was interviewed for it the other day and he didn't quite understand how dangerous it is. He thinks I'm going on holiday!".

Click the picture for a page of screen caps from this morning's GMTV.

She was pre-introduced with: "She wants to be free, she wants to be me. It's T O Y A H W Willcox"! And then re-introduced with: "On the lounger tonight, 80s Queen of punk..."

Toyah then interrupted by continuing..."and future star of SAGA magazine if I get my way in five year's time!"

The interviewer replied: "I knew you'd be trouble. You're a Celebrity Survivor wannabee and you're Toyah Willcox." Toyah retorted, "Still, yes!"

Throughout the show Toyah commented on a number of topics, including S Club 7 splitting up: "I hope something happens for the. they're too young to be in limbo!", the recent Who Wants To Be A Millionaire "cheat" TV show: "It was brilliant. How could they deny it? It was so blatant, and Robbie Williams' lack of success in America: "I was cult in America. I was college."

Most of the chat, though, concentrated on IACGMOOH: 

"I'm in limbo-land. I'm too old to wear a bikini and too young to write for SAGA. 

"I'm just filling in the time till I hit 50. I think it's going to be brilliant. I'm a bit of a danger-freak so I hope it's going to be dangerous. 

"If all the gorgeous chicks out there are wearing bikinis, I'm going naked because it ain't a pretty sight.

"I'm really badly behaved when I'm alone. I'm a bit of a nudist so I hope I manage to forget anyone's watching.

"Wayne and I are like brothers. I think I'll be the Earth Mother of the girls and the bitch-from-hell to the blokes!"

Toyah concluded the interview by (jokingly) thanking the host for "being rude to her"!

Click the picture for a page of screen caps from last night's Liquid News.

As mentioned, before the webchat Toyah was interviewed by Danny Baker. A lot was covered in less than 50 minutes; The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire "Major", her trip to Belize to meet the troops in the 90s, Robert ("he is flying out to Australia next week. I've been married for 17 years, and still don't know anything about King Crimson!"), Calamity Jane (Toyah tunefully warbled a few lines from 'Windy City' and 'Secret Love'), the song that reminds her of her childhood ('The Little White Bull' by Tommy Steele), first concert ("Hawkwind. I was 12, I couldn't understand why people kept offering me anadine!"), the past ("Russia and Peru still see me as I was in the 80s."), the future ("The September gigs will be a 25 year retrospective."). Toyah also told a vaguely rude story about Animal from Motorhead and a lift!, and enthused about Marilyn Manson.

There was also some chat about 'Velvet Lined Shell' and a small clip, which sounded excellent and 'Little Tears Of Love-ish', was played.

Most of the time was taken up by talk of IACGMOOH! ("I'm flying out tomorrow. I love it. I'm vegetarian, unfortunately I have a big problem killing things! I just want to be challenged. I think Antony Worrell Thompson will win it, I haven't even thought about winning it! I'll miss chocolate, conditioner and my toilet privacy!")

Danny also asked Toyah if she would slip in the phrase "Yoghurt eating grandpa is sexpot of the vulcans" sometime during her time on IACGMOOH!

A couple of hours later Toyah was back on the radio. This time Radio Five Live, being interviewed by Fi Glover. Much as the Danny Baker interview was good, this was far more interesting. Toyah actually spent some time speaking about her music career and the new album. Toyah also spoke about music in general; ("my generation, we still like our rock 'n' roll. I like live bands. I cherry pick when it comes to music. I love Bjork, PJ Harvey, and even Madonna."),  being fit ("I love to work out to Marilyn Manson. I like my men in make-up. I don't like his album sleeves though. That's when I show my age.") Loads more was discussed too.

A clip of 'Velvet Lined Shell' was also played during this interview, and Toyah rounded the chat off by recounting the story of Wayne Sleep/Steven Berkoff in a London restaurant, and Toyah contemplating calling her second autobiography 'Berkoff Ate Me'!!

My humble descriptions can't possibly do these interviews justice, particularly Fi Glover. Both should be available to listen to at the station's websites very soon.

• BBCi Northamptonshire - Toyah’s back with the music: From BBC Northampton, and slightly out-of-date! - The last time she appeared in Northampton, it was as a star in Northampton Theatres’ performance of Calamity Jane. But 80s music star, Toyah Wilcox will return to Northampton to sing with a full live band at Chicago Rock Café. The performance is on Monday, 5th May to coincide with the release of a brand new mini album, Velvet Lined Shell. Toyah has also just been confirmed as a contestant on the next series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

• Toyah flies out to Australia tonight.

• Tara Palmer Tompkinson in 'Closer' on Toyah: "The Queen of Punk is back!"

• Catalina (who she?) in today's 'The Sun' on Toyah: "Toyah Willcox and Danniella Westbrook are the people I think I’ll have most in common with because they’re strong and outspoken."

As mentioned on the Official 'Media Watch' WebLetter update Toyah will be taking part in a web chat tomorrow on LDN.

As far as I'm aware this is the first time Toyah has done something like this. The LDN website are asking people to email a question to be asked.

iPresenter Tayfun will be joined by Toyah Willcox and will put your questions to her on Tuesday 22nd April in a video web chat.

Toyah Willcox, who will soon be appearing on ITV's "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here", will join iPresenter Tayfun in a video web chat on Tuesday 22nd April. Toyah will be answering your questions about herself and her career as a singer, actress and television presenter.

Tune in, or log on to the website, tomorrow at 9.00am, immediately after Toyah guests on the Danny Baker Show, to hear/see the webchat.

Andrew correctly said that there are EIGHT Toyah logos on the website's front page. The Calamity goodies are on their way to you this week:)

GMTV, the ITV breakfast station, are currently running a Calamity Jane competition at their website.

Win a 4-star break, plus opening night tickets to see Toyah Willcox in Calamity Jane.

To be in with a chance click on the picture and head over to enter. It's fairly simple to enter and you could be spending the musical's opening night in London's West End, aka The Black Hills Of Dakota!

Liquid News : BBC Three - Tue 22nd April : 7.00pm/12.30am/3.30am

Thanks to Michael Cooney.

• Toyah was mentioned in a large, Easter related, article about the treatment of rabbits in modern society, in yesterday's 'The Independent'

It's a bunny old world
Once it was seen simply as a tasty snack, then as vermin – and now, bizarrely, it's regarded as the perfect children's plaything. Pity the poor rabbit, says John Walsh. The last thing it needs is to become the property of a demanding three-year-old
We think we're pretty well disposed towards the hopping, powder-puff-tailed, buck-toothed creatures. When the film director Adrian Lyne wanted to suggest the profundity of Glenn Close's vindictive madness in Fatal Attraction, how better than by having her boil Michael Douglas's daughter's pet bunny? We know that Gene Hackman loves his rabbit, and Bridget Fonda and Rutger Hauer, and Suggs from Madness and Toyah Willcox all love theirs. But celebrities apart, something has gone badly wrong with our attitude to them.

Further info at www.toyahwillcox.com soon.

LBC's Danny Baker show : 8.00am Tuesday 22nd April 
You can listen online @ www.bbc.co.uk/london/

ONLINE VIDEO WEB-CHAT
After the Danny Baker show : 9.05 am - 9.35am Tuesday 22nd April 
BBC London @ www.bbc.co.uk/london/

Fi Glover's Radio Five Live show : 11.30am Tuesday 22nd April 
Listen online @ www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive

Liquid News : 7.00pm Tuesday 22nd April
Records 18.00pm Tuesday 22nd April
BBC News Program (Shows 7pm weekdays on BBC3)
Check for details @ www.bbc.co.uk/bbcthree/news/liquidnews/

Finally... Look out for pieces in The Mirror, Guardian and The Observer soon!

Info Source - www.toyahwillcox.com

Toyah Willcox is to release a new mini-album on 7 July.

Velvet Lined Shell will feature six brand new tracks including Every Scar Has A Silver Lining and Troublesome Thing.

According to Toyah her new recordings are inspired by the likes of Mogwai, Elbow, Nick Cave and Marilyn Manson.

"I know that people will appreciate the darker direction I am taking," said the singer; "Hopefully it will appeal to those who still like their music to have little teeth."

Toyah will also re-issue her Prostitute and Ophelia's Shadow albums on 19 and 26 May, respectively.

The singer and TV-presenter is currently favourite to win the forthcoming series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

London West End Theatre Guide
Calamity Jane starring Toyah Willcox opens 26 June - now booking
Booking has now opened for the musical Calamity Jane which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 26 June 2003, following previews from 12 June.
Calamity Jane centres around Calamity's effort to save Deadwood's entertainment venue, The Golden Garter, from ruin by bringing the singing star, Adelaide Adams, to perform there. Calamity promises the patrons of the Garter that she will personally bring Miss Adams back from Chicago. In Chicago, she sees Adelaide Adam's show, from the back of the theatre, but later mistakes Miss Adams' stage struck maid, Katie Brown, for the star. Katie, realising the mistake, seizes the opportunity to make her dreams come true by posing as Adelaide.
This production, which comes into the West End following an extensive UK regional tour, stars Toyah Willcox as 'Calamity Jane'

London Theatre Guide News
Booking now open for Calamity Jane with Toyah Willcox at Shaftesbury 12 Jun 03 
Booking has now opened for the touring production of the musical comedy Calamity Jane, starring Toyah Willcox in the title role, which opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre 26 Jun 03, following previews from 12 Jun 03, and booking to 20 Sep 03.
The show is adapted for the stage by Charles K. Freeman, with music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.
It is directed by ED Curtis, designed by Simon Higlett, choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, with lighting by James Whiteside.
"The film, starring Doris Day, was a classic from the golden age of the Hollywood Musical. Now, Calamity Jane hits the stage as an action-packed, rip-roaring comedy adventure round the Wild West with one of the most witty and hummable scores ever written for a musical."
The show features the famous songs: 'The Deadwood Stage (Whip-crack-Away!)', 'Windy City','The Black Hills of Dakota' and 'Secret Love'. 

Out of the blue (!) comes the revelation that Toyah is one of the final two celebrites taking part in the ITV programme I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! 2.

Yesterday the 'London Evening Standard' was first to report the news:

I'm Toyah ... get me out to the Australian jungle

Singer turned TV presenter Toyah Willcox, and model Catalina are today revealed as the final entrants on the new I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here. They join stars such as Wayne Sleep and John Fashanu in the reality show, filmed in the Australian outback, which was won the first time round by veteran DJ Tony Blackburn.

Toyah, along with model Catalina, completes the line-up of 10, which also includes; chef Anthony Worrall-Thompson, ex-EastEnder Danniella Westbrook, weathergirl Sian Lloyd, sportsman John Fashanu, dancer Wayne Sleep (who starred with Toyah in Cabaret back in 1987), former Coronation Street actor Chris Bisson, Changing Rooms designer Linda Barker and cricketer Phil Tufnell.

The new series, taking place in the Australian Outback, begins on 28th April with a 90 minute special on ITV1, and then nightly shows for two weeks on the channel. ITV2's main support programme, I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here Now!, will also be back with new hosts.

Viewers will also be able to watch the celebs live from the Australian jungle, through the night, each and every night on ITV2 for the entire run of the series.

There is likely to be huge coverage of this on TV, in the press/magazines, and online. So please keep your eyes peeled. Good luck to Toyah, look out for those huge Australian spiders.

NB: Not sure how this affects Toyah's other commitments for the weeks ahead. There will no doubt be an official announcement @ tw.com soon confirming Toyah's involvement etc.

Thanks to Michael Cooney for the 'London Evening Standard' news clipping.

All the latest Toyah I'm A Celebrity ... News can be found in the CELEBRITY section.

Leap on over to www.toyahwillcox.com (News section) for further info and ticket details.

The Wimbledon and Grimsby week-long runs of the Calamity Jane national UK tour have now been cancelled. The remainder of the tour now looks like:

20 - 24 May 2003 The Lyceum, Sheffield (Tel: 0114 249 60 00)
27 - 31 May 2003 The Hippodrome, Bristol (Tel: 0870 607 75 00)
3 - 7 June 2003 Opera House, Blackpool (Tel: 01253 29 20 29)

Calamity Jane will be at Shaftesbury Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue from 12th June - 20th Sep 2003. The first two weeks will be previews and there will also be a press night and a Toyah fan night (as above). The Box Office (Tel: 0870 906 3798) to buy tickets opened on Monday.

Further information in the News section of www.toyahwillcox.com.

Although her interview was very short, Toyah's 'Brave New World' image was littered throughout this interesting programme. It was used, Andy Warhol style, on the opening credits (both alone and interspersed with The Jam, Adam Ant, and The Police) and first ad break. The actual magazine cover from 1982, with Toyah, pictured was shown a couple of times too, including an amazing shot near the end of the documentary (see below).

Toyah commented: "I wrote the lyrics to my songs by the time I was 12. So the lyrics were about school rebellion, they were about family rebellion. I think I hit it off with the Smash Hits readers because  Iwas one of the first people that said, 'I'm sorry but I ain't female. I'm a human being, I'm a character, I'm a person'. I think I appealed to a lot of young girls and a lot of young boys that saw me as the spirit of rebellion."

Former editor of 'Smash Hits' Mark Ellen said: "Toyah was just a really exceptional pop star. She made these fantastic videos, usually just Toyah making an internationally recognised hand gesture at her parents. She would put more effort, I swear to God, into having her face painted with little, tiny, seagulls, and having her hair teased up into a great cascade of purple hair extensions, than she probably put into making her records. And  I think she had her priorities right because if you put Toyah on the cover of the magazine it stood out from everything else!"

Click either picture to see a page of screen caps from this docu @ the Captured section.

The Region 1 DVD, which seems to have two different covers, is possibly the best Jubilee release yet as not only is the actual film a new high-definition digital transfer, but the disc also contains a plethora of extras.

• New high-definition digital transfer, supervised by director of photography Peter Middleton and enhanced for widescreen televisions.
• Original documentary on Jarman and Jubilee made by Jarman actor Spencer Leigh (Caravaggio, The Last of England), featuring interviews with stars Jenny Runacre and Toyah Willcox, film historian Tony Rayns, production designer Christopher Hobbs, and filmmakers John Maybury. (Love is the Devil) and Lee Drysdale (Leather Jackets), with rare Super-8 clips and memorabilia from the film.
• Ephemera from Derek Jarman’s personal collection, including his scrapbook from the film illustrated with rare photos and notes.
• Original trailer.
• Liner notes by Jarman biographer Tony Peake. 
• English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired. 
• Optimal image quality: RSDL dual-layer edition. 

"Jubilee is a visually charged, absurdly violent, and darkly comic tribute to British punk rock and its self-proclaimed Blank Generation. 

When Queen Elizabeth I asks her court alchemist to show her England in the future, she’s transported 400 years to a post-apocalyptic wasteland of roving girl gangs, an all-powerful media mogul, fascistic police, scattered filth, and twisted sex. With Jubilee, legendary British filmmaker Derek Jarman channeled political dissent and artistic daring into a revolutionary blend of history and fantasy, musical and cinematic experimentation, satire and anger, fashion and philosophy. With its uninhibited punk petulance and sloganeering, Jubilee brings together many cultural and musical icons of the time, including Jordan, Toyah Willcox, Little Nell, Wayne County, Adam Ant, and Brian Eno (with his first original film score), to create a genuinely unique, unforgettable vision. Ahead of its time and often frighteningly accurate in its predictions, it is a fascinating historical document and a gorgeous work of film art."

Toyah's chat included the following interesting comments; 

"There are things I’ve done by mistake that I wish I hadn’t done like I once gave my mum a cheque for one million as a joke and she was so happy, (laughing) she thought it was real and she was so upset when she found out it wasn’t for real."

"I’m more kind of interested in being who I am today than I am who I was twenty years ago."

"I’m a very fit middle aged woman."

If you are in the Southampton area look out for this as it is likely to be reshown sometime this week.

Check back to Dreamscape soon for a page of screen captures from this interview.

Many thanks to Andi Westhorpe for the captures and info. Get well soon Andi :)

News Source - Daily Mirror's 'the Scurra'

• Toyah has announced two UK shows to support her forthcoming mini-album 'Velvet Lined Shell'. Toyah will play at Northampton's Roadmenders on May 5th and London's Mean Fiddler on May 6th. the album will be released on May 6th. TOYAH will also be appearing in London's West End from mid-June to mid-September in the musical 'Calamity Jane' with which she has recently toured the UK.

News Source - www.remembertheeighties.com

Alasdair took last night off from Calamity Jane to perform in his West End And Broadway show at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, singing songs from Beauty & The Beast, Miss Saigon, Phantom Of The Opera and others. Alasdair is leaving Calamity to take a role in the BBC Scotland soap River City. I'm sure he will be greatly missed as he plays Bill so well, has an incredible singing voice, and his onstage chemistry with Toyah, as Jane, is second-to-none.

Thanks to Nikki Mullally for the information.

Calamity Jane to Arrive in London in June 
Star Willcox Chats About Musical:
Toyah Willcox is starring in the title role in Calamity Jane, The Musical. The show has toured for nine months and is due in London later in June. It will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre June 19.

The musical is centered on cowgirl Calamity Jane's attempts to save her local theatre, The Golden Garter. We asked Toyah how she'd taken to life (on stage) as a cowgirl. 

Have you always been interested in cowboys? "No! Not at all! I used to hate cowboy films. The one exception was the film musical of Calamity Jane, but that's because this is a story set in the Wild West but which is more about the human drama than the traditional themes of cowboys vs. Indians. Also I identified, as a child, with Calamity as an interesting, strong female character. So playing her on stage is a childhood daydream come true!" 

Did you have a voice coach for the American accent? "Yes, but then we all did, not least because there are several different American accents involved — the characters don't all come from the same part of the States." 

Any other coaching for the part? "Well, I had to learn to walk as if I'd been riding a horse most of my life, and also how to shoot and use a bullwhip." 

Isn't that very dangerous? "Technically, yes. The reason the whip makes that cracking noise is because of the speed involved: it travels faster than a bullet! But I found I had a natural talent for it, so it didn't take me all that long to learn. The stunt man who taught me is great — he's worked on the Bond films. Perhaps I could play a whip cracking villainess in the next Bond movie!" 

You've played the role for some time now, on tour. Are you looking forward to bringing it into London, and will that be the end of the run? "I'm really looking forward to bringing Calamity Jane to the Shaftesbury, and although we've been on the road a long time, I'm still very much in love with the show. We're in for a summer season of 12 weeks, which'll be great, and it'll be the first time it’s been seen in London for many years. As a musical, Calamity Jane is very popular with amateur companies, but to see it as a professional production is very rare — so I hope people will take the opportunity to see us in the West End." 

What about your other singing career? "I'll be at the Mean Fiddler on Tottenham Court Road on May 7, celebrating 25 years in the music business, and on May 6 I'm releasing a song, 'Velvet-lined Shell.'" 

Do you have a favorite song in Calamity Jane? "I do, and it's 'Secret Love.' It's a great song to sing, it's very powerful, and emotionally — and musically — it's the pinnacle of the whole show. I love it to death!"

The Safari logo is so synonomous with all of Toyah's early albums and singles and seeing it again emblazoned across the cover brings back lucid memories.

'Danced' is the opening song on the album, and Toyah's 'Thunder In The Mountains' is also included amongst the 19 tracks.

Thanks to Michael Cooney for this.

Leap on over, by clicking the site logo, to watch Toyah's recent 'It's A Mystery' Top Of The Pops 2 appearance from 1981, and It Shouldn't Happen To A...TV Presenter.

The musical is reviewed this week by the 'Southern Daily Echo':

Who would have thought, back in the early 1980s when the shock-haired chanteuse made a nation quake in its boots with her threats to "turn this world upside-down", that Toyah Willcox would one day be playing the title role in Calamity Jane? 

Punk princess to wholesome family entertainer might have seemed unthinkable then, but it's a perfectly acceptable career trajectory these days, and Toyah has navigated it with success. 

Read the full review, as well as another 22, by clicking the picture of Alasdair Harvey (Wild Bill Hickok), Toyah, Kellie Ryan (Katie Brown) and Garry Kilby (Lt. Danny Gilmartin). Pictured in Southampton on Tuesday 8th April 2003.

Thanks to Nikki Mullally for letting me know about this.

Toyah, and Calamity Jane, are also reported on @ 'This Is Bournemouth' this week:

The irrepressible Toyah Willcox stars in the latest stage version of that great rom-p-along western musical Calamity Jane. The one-time punk turned actress plays the sharp-shooting, hard-drinking Jane as she tries to save Deadwood's only entertainment venue from ruin. The show plays the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until Saturday.

The Shaftesbury Theatre is bouncing back - yet again - with another major musical. This time it's Calamity Jane, starring Toyah Wilcox. Among the show's many hit numbers are 'The Deadwood Stage (Whip-crack-Away!), 'Secret Love' and 'The Black Hills of Dakota'. 

The touring production of this much-loved musical comedy has been adapted for the stage by Charles K Freeman. With music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster, it is directed by Ed Curtis, designed by Simon Higlett, choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, and lit by James Whiteside. 

Starring Toyah Wilcox (and with other casting still to be confirmed), Calamity Jane will begin previews at the Shaftesbury on Thursday June 12 and opens on Thursday June 19. It is currently booking to Saturday September 20. Booking opens on Monday April 14. 

Calamity Jane, heading for the West End, is also reported on @ 'TheatreNet.com':

The production of Calamity Jane starring Toyah Willcox, which has been touring since last autumn, will open a three month season at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 18th June. A cowboy musical, with a remarkably similar plot to Annie Get Your Gun, it is directed by Ed Curtis and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. The book is by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park, adapted from the stage play by Charles K Freeman based on the 1953 film, with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

TOYAH WILLCOX, 44 
My forties have been the best part of my life. I know who I am now. I used to be emotionally precarious, now I am more grounded. I was volatile and fought with my fists, not my intellect. Now I have stability of emotion and I am driven, but not eaten alive, by ambition. I'm more tolerant of people but I don't mind snapping: if I'm talking to someone who is a berk, I will tell them. I have financial and mental independence. As a young person I felt dependent on being liked by everyone. Now I don't give a damn, but in a positive, not an angry, way. I don't feel that what I did when I was young is worthless, but the attitude that creates youth culture is sinister. I want to point out its shallowness so that we can appreciate the culture of the over-40s, in which most people live. I'm confident about my knowledge as a performer. I'm starring in Calamity Jane, and the average age of the company is 22. They come to me with their problems. The only thing that makes me feel old is that I must be in bed by midnight, eat regular meals, avoid places where people smoke and never touch alcohol. It's tedious but it's kept me agile. I have lost two stone in two years. You are invisible when you are middle-aged and overweight: since I shed the weight, I’ve had more attention from the opposite sex than I’ve had in 20 years. Forty is not old: we are active, spontaneous and have more freedom. I’m considering a facelift to ensure the continuation of my TV career. If I can improve myself, I will. 

Interview: Moira Petty

Julie And The Cadillacs : five - Saturday 19th April : 02.15am

It's 1964 in Liverpool, England and Julie Carr is spotted performing at a club with her backing band, the Cadillacs. The group is invited to come to London and cut a single, but the public relations people and record executives mis-market the band and their single flops. Taking time off from music, Julie finally regroups and the band plans a come-back, beginning with a well-received appearance on television. Directed by Bryan Izzard. Starring: Tina Russell, Billy Boyd, Ben Richards, Thora Hird, Toyah Willcox, Victor Spinetti.

One of the most interesting quotes is Toyah saying that when she looks at old pictures of herself; "It's almost like looking at a daughter"!

Toyah says of 'Velvet Lined Shell': "It's exciting but I'm realistic about it. I recorded it while I was on tour with Calamity Jane, that's why it's a mini-album. It's just to celebrate 25 years in the industry, I'm not looking to change the world."

Read the full interview by clicking the Calamity Jane logo.

Thanks to Andi Westhorpe for this.

Toyah is included, represented by the famous 'It's A Mystery' still from her Top Of The Pops appearance in early 1981.

So why not click on over and start emailing Toyah cards to all your friends. Enough to brighten up anyone's day!

Thanks to Michael Cooney for letting me know about this by sending me the postcard :)

• Don't forget that Channel 4 are reshowing Toyah's Self Portrait UK this afternoon at 1.40pm. This was originally shown last August and the first series is being reshown in the run up to the new batch of programmes beginning next Monday evening.

• Has anyone had a chance to see the video for Christina Aguilera's new single 'Fighter'? I've heard from a few people that it is similar, in parts, to Toyah's 'Brave New World' and Madonna's 'Frozen' videos. I haven't saw the video but it is directed by a female director from the UK so maybe this isn't as hard to believe as it sounds.

Her appearance was part of the programme's 'My South' series, a collection of interviews in which celebrities talk about their favourite parts of the South. 

Toyah visited, and talked about, Burling gap in Eastbourne:

"I could spend all day just sitting on a cliff like Beachy Head and just calming down and I find it very healing to look out. I just love the fact you can look out over an ocean and imagine there’s continents elsewhere. I find it incredibly romantic."

Toyah also spoke a little about Calamity Jane and Meridian Tonight showed some clips from the musical.

Check back soon for a page of screen captures from this in the Captured section.

Many thanks to Andi Westhorpe for the screen caps and info.

The touring production of the musical comedy Calamity Jane, starring Toyah Willcox in the title role, opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre 26 Jun 03, following previews from 12 Jun 03, and booking to 20 Sep 03.

Public booking opens Monday 14 April 03

Casting is to be confirmed!!

The show is adapted for the stage by Charles K. Freeman, with music by Sammy Fain, lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

It is directed by ED Curtis, designed by Simon Higlett, choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, with lighting by James Whiteside.

"The film, starring Doris Day, was a classic from the golden age of the Hollywood Musical. Now, Calamity Jane hits the stage as an action-packed, rip-roaring comedy adventure round the Wild West with one of the most witty and hummable scores ever written for a musical."

The show features the famous songs: 'The Deadwood Stage (Whip-crack-Away!)', 'Windy City','The Black Hills of Dakota' and 'Secret Love'. 

The revival of Wild West musical comedy Calamity Jane, starring actress and singer Toyah Willcox (pictured) in the title role, will transfer to the West End this summer. Currently touring to May, it transfers to London’s Shaftesbury Theatre for a limited season from 19 June to 20 September 2003 (previews 12 June). 

Set in the Wild West frontier of pioneering America, Calamity Jane is the story of a woman who dresses like a man, totes a gun and drives the Deadwood City stagecoach. Well-meaning but disaster-prone, she tries to help the local saloon proprietor out of a jam by promising to fetch a music-hall star from Chicago. 

In 1953, the musical was made into immortalised on the Hollywood screen in a version starring Doris Day as Jane and Howard Keel as her friendly enemy Wild Bill Hickok. Calamity Jane has a book by Charles K Freeman with music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. Its score includes famous numbers such as "Black Hills of Dakota", "Deadwood Stage", "Windy City" and "Secret Love", which won the Oscar for Best Original Song. 

Though best known as a 1980s recording artist with pop hits such as "It's a Mystery" and "I Wanna Be Free", Willcox has frequently appeared on stage in productions including Cabaret, The Taming of the Shrew, Peter Pan and The Shagaround. 

Calamity Jane had a successful tour in autumn 2002 before launching a second, more extensive UK-wide schedule in January of this year. The production is directed by Ed Curtis and designed by Simon Higlett, with choreography by Craig Revel Horwood, lighting by James Whiteside and musical direction by Adam Goodman.

The stage version of Calamity Jane, starring Toyah Willcox, is finally coming to the West End after years of touring. The musical will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre on June 26.

Calamity Jane is best know as a 1953 film starring Doris Day. The stage version follows along the same plotlines: Calamity, a tough-talking tomboy, puts her reputation on the line when she promises to bring a famous singing star to Deadwood's Golden Garter Saloon. But mistaken identity, feminine rivalry and secret love all conspire against her good intentions. The piece was adapted for the stage by Charles K. Freeman and features music by Sammy Fain and lyrics by Paul Francis Webster. The score includes such memorable tunes as "The Deadwood Stage," "Windy City," "The Black Hills Of Dakota" and the Academy Award-winning "Secret Love."

Head for the hills and put your whip cracks away as Toyah Willcox brings Calamity Jane to London in June. The production comes to the Shaftesbury theatre after touring over the last two years. The gun-totin’, leather slappin’, rompin’, stompin’ musical comedy was made famous by the Hollywood production starring Doris Day in the title role and features classic songs such as The Deadwood Stage, Windy City and the Oscar winning Secret Love.

In Deadwood, like most of the Wild West, men are men and women aren’t. Unfortunately no-one thought to tell Calamity that, so she can ride, shoot and drink with the very best of them. When Calamity promises to bring the cream of Chicago showgirls to sing at the Golden Garter Saloon she does the job as well as any cowboy would. But mistaken identity and competition for her men were not part of Calamity’s plans.

Willcox’s career has included acting, punk rock and television presenting. Her film appearances have included The Corn Is Green opposite Katherine Hepburn and the role of Monkey in the mod versus rocker shocker Quadrophenia. Her previous London theatre credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Open Air), The Taming of the Shrew (Cambridge), Three Men on a Horse (Vaudeville), Cabaret (Strand), Sugar ‘N’ Spice (Royal Court) and Whale and Tales From Vienna Woods (both at the National).

Calamity Jane will open at the Shaftesbury on June 26, following previews from June 12

'Official London Theatre' also reported:

Following a sell-out tour in 2002 and Spring 2003 this classic comedy musical is coming to the Shaftesbury Theatre. Calamity Jane is an action-packed show from the golden age of musicals combing witty lyrics with a silly plot and some extremely catchy songs such as Deadwood Stage, Windy City, The Black Hills of Dakota and Secret Love, which won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Deadwood, Dakota Territory, is a typical Wild West town where men are cowboys, women are wholesome and cows are cows. That is apart from Indian scout Calamity Jane, who is as hard riding, gun toting and boastful as any man on the prairie. Tough-talking Calamity puts her reputation on the line when she promises to bring a famous singing star all the way from Chicago to Dakota's hardly salubrious Golden Garter Saloon. After a small matter of mistaken identity, the dainty chanteuse and our eponymous hero (along with the rest of Deadwood) become the best of friends ­ until Calamity realises she may have a rival for the affections of the towns two most eligible cowboys..

Since her heady days of punk stardom in the 1980s, Toyah Willcox has become a respected stage actress, and recently returned to the limelight as the narrator on kids' TV show The Tellytubbies.

In the trailer lots of old 'Smash Hits' cover stars pop up on screen, including Toyah, who featured on this issue from June 1982, easily one of Smash Hits' best ever covers. This was Toyah's third, and final, time as a cover star. They don't design 'em like that anymore!

25 Years of Smash Hits : Channel 4 - Saturday 12th April : 9.00pm
A look at Britain's most popular pop magazine, Smash Hits, which has been a fortnightly must-buy publication for many for the past 25 years. From its initial birth in 1978, it has worn a kind of good-humoured scepticism on its sleeve, without jeopardising its enthusiasm for its subject. More likely to ask a pop goddess what is in her handbag than what her politics are, its influence is everywhere.

What is interesting is that the artwork featured is just slightly different to the picture printed below (April 4th). Both look excellent but there is more colour and shadowing in this latest pic.

Voiceprint also have the 'Prostitute' and 'Ophelia's Shadow' reissues listed at the website too.

While on the subject of Voiceprint...

This is the order form some of you may have received through the post in the past week or so.

It features pictures of 'Velvet Lined Shell', 'Prostitute' and 'Ophelia's Shadow', and offers a pre-release price of £9.99 for each album or £25.00 if you buy all three.

I'd recommend buying these CDs for everyone you know for Birthday and Christmas gifts this year. Or even just a "here's a bundle of CDs to make your CD collection cool!" type gesture!! :)

Many thanks to Andrew York for the Voiceprint form.

It reads: "Toyah - little tears of love - The first new Toyah material of the millenium.

You can still buy Toyah's Little Tears Of Love EP online exclusively from Voiceprint by clicking anywhere on this flyer."

And what's more, you still can!

Thanks again to Alan (@ tw.com), who designed this, for letting me show it on Dreamscape.

I think these are too good not to be seen so I asked Alan @ tw.com if it would be okay to stick them on here.

These great reworkings of the original 'Prostitute' and 'Ophelia's Shadow' covers were designed some time ago and were scheduled to be included with the e-newsletter that is sent to subscribers to the Official Toyah Mailing List.

However, they subsequently weren't used, as the artwork for both CDs has now changed to the designs we are starting to see in various places (including this very page).

Both e-flyers say: "brand new reissues available now - visit www.toyahwillcox.com for further information."

Thanks to Alan (@ tw.com), who designed these, for letting me show them on Dreamscape.

The musical will open almost immediately after the tour, at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, and will run,at least, until late September.

This is great news for Toyah and the Calamity Jane cast. Toyah is, judging by her reaction in her April Web Letter, understandably, thrilled at this. I think anyone who has seen the show would agree that it is the right decision.

Maybe, like many of the musicals that play in the West End, there will now be serious consideration on the release of a cast recording on CD.

I went to see Calamity Jane in Liverpool on Saturday night and since I last saw the show, in Edinburgh two months ago, it seems to have got even better. Toyah's performance was amazing, her singing first-class and energy enviable, and she looked fantastic. The reaction from the Liverpool audience at the end was stunning, lots of people gave the cast, and TW in particular, a standing ovation.

Thanks to Alec, John and Carl for a "brilliant day"! My first time in Liverpool - what a cool city.

Please click the picture to visit Dreamscape's celebration of Calamity Jane - Press, Reviews, Pictures, Related Interviews & more...

The six-track album will be released on Toyah's own, newly formed, record label Vertical Species, on Tuesday 6th May 2003 (the CD will almost certainly be available in some shops on Monday 5th May, but as this is a Bank Holiday the actual release date is the 6th).

'Velvet Lined Shell' (catalogue number VSR001) will be available to buy in many record shops throughout the UK, as well as in online stores such as Amazon and eil, and by mail order via Voiceprint (details of this at Toyah's Official site).

Like last year's 'Little Tears Of Love' EP, (limited quantities still available - see below) it looks like the majority of the album is written and produced by Toyah and guitarist Tim Elsenburg

Tracklist for the album is:

1. Every Scar Has A Silver Lining 
2. Velvet Lined Shell
3. Little Tears Of Love
4. You're A Mircle
5. Mother
6. Troublesome Thing

Let's hope that this is a huge success for Toyah and leads to more new albums in the future.

Huge thanks to Toyah's manager Adrian, and all at www.toyahwillcox.com for giving permission for these images to be used on Dreamscape. Sign up to the Mailing List at the Official site to regularly receive fantastic e-flyers like the 'Velvet Lined Shell' one here.

Both albums, originally released in 1988 and 1991 respectively, will be available again in May on Toyah's Vertical Species record label. As well as the all-new artwork, both will also feature sleeve notes by Toyah, with her thoughts on the albums and their subsequent history.

Reason enough, if you need one, to buy these again:)

'Prostitute' (catalogue number VSR003CD) will be available to buy on Monday 19th May 2003, and 'Ophelia's Shadow' (catalogue number VSR002CD) the following week, Monday 26th May 2003.

Let's hope that these reissues are successful for Toyah and leads to more of her back catalogue being reissued on CD. 

Huge thanks to Toyah's manager Adrian, and all at www.toyahwillcox.com for giving permission for these images to be used on Dreamscape.

• Bank Holiday Monday 5th May - "Warm-up" gig at Chicago Rock Cafe, Northampton
• Tuesday 6th May - 'Velvet Lined Shell' - Toyah's mini-album is released
• Wednesday 7th May - Toyah's '25th Anniversary' Celebration Gig at the
Mean Fiddler, Tottenham Court Road, Charing Cross, London
• Tuesday 13th May - Calamity Jane opens at the Wimbledon Theatre.
• Sunday 18th May - Toyah celebrates her 45th Birthday
• Monday 19th May - Reissue of Prostitute' on CD
• Tuesday 20th May - Calamity Jane opens at the The Lyceum, Sheffield. 
• Monday 26th May - Reissue of 'Ophelia's Shadow' on CD
• Tuesday 27th May - Calamity Jane opens at the Hippodrome, Bristol. 

Thanks to Colin Dew-Parry for pointing out my omission. I'm thoroughly ashamed!

The revamped website now features reviews, pictures, cast biographies, tour dates and much more. 

Click the picture to hop on board the Deadwood Stage!

• Calamity Jane is in Liverpool this week at the Empire. This would have been the final week of the tour if the new dates had not been added. Lucky me is travelling down on Saturday for the final Liverpool show:)

• The 'Daily Post' at IC Liverpool have reviewed Calamity. Please click the picture to read the full review.

Thanks to Julez Danes for the info on the latest review.

This CD is a must for any Toyah fan. Not only are the four tracks all absolutely brilliant, but the artwork is designed by Toyah herself. 

Please click the heart for further info.

NB: Song four on 'Little Tears Of Love', EXPERIENCE, isn't included on 'Velvet Lined Shell' - Another good reason to buy this EP, it's the only way to get this song.

• Toyah's Web Letter for April has been mailed out to all subscribers to the Official Mailing List. It should be available to read at www.toyahwillcox.com any day now.

• The band for Toyah's two live dates in June will be the same line-up as at Ronnie Scott's last year, plus a keyboard player. Set-list will range from 'Our Movie' to 'Little Tears Of Love'.

• Toyah guested on the 'Billy Butler Show', on Radio Merseyide, on Monday afternoon. She is, of course, in the city with Calamity Jane.

Thanks to Claire Ormrod for her message at the Dreamscape forum