Dreamscape: A Toyah Willcox Fansite [www.toyah.net] : somewhere in the distance : archived Toyah news for the month of May 2005

 

[ Warrior Rock & Love Is The Law... on CD ]
 
  

May 27, 2005: 'Lancaster Today' -  Lust Of The Mohicans
[ Lancaster Today - 26th May 2005 ]The 'Lancaster Today', local newspaper for the Morecambe and Lancaster area, has featured/reviewed the 'Wasted' Festival in their 'Seven Days' section:

The cover of 'Seven Days' pictures a couple of snogging punks: "Lust of the mohicans", while inside Toyah is pictured under the headline: "Punk bands all day and all of the night at Wasted 2005".

The article says of Toyah: "Despite the rather unsympathetic weather, thousands of music fans poured into Morecambe at the weekend for the Wasted 2005 punk festival.

A number of big names including The Stranglers, The Undertones and Toyah joined an eclectic line-up of over 150 bands to entertain the enthusiastic crowds...

Saturday afternoon's highlight for me was Goldblade whose frontman, the TV pundit and journalist, John Robb, put on a characteristically energetic show.

Following what was apparently her debut spoken-word performance at The Platform, Toyah put on an enjoyable show in The Market Arena to a large and appreciative crowd, to the surprise of a number of cynics - myself included.

Many thanks to John Shepherd for this.

May 26, 2005: Toyah on yesterday's 'Loose Women'
[ Loose Women - 25th May 05 ]Toyah guested on yesterday afternoon's Loose Women on ITV1 here in the UK. The appearance was to talk about her, now well publicised, facelift.

There was a slight air of (friendly) animosity from the regular Loose Women, most saying they wouldn't have cosmetic surgery. But Toyah already had to deal with similar when she guested on BBC Radio 4's Midweek in March of this year.

Toyah argued her points well, though, and came across as intelligent and knowledgable about the subject she was discussing.

She mentioned that since her surgery she hasn't felt threatened while walking alone at night. That she did have her facelift because it would help her in her career, but also because she hated how she looked in the mirror.

She also talked about why she "came out". She kept a diary, started emailing it to people, and eventually thought: "Wait a minute, there's a revolution going on here. So I just took it to a publisher and got it published"

Kaye Adams asked: "Isn't there the potential downside, that people , instead of thinking 'Toyah looks great' will think first 'Toyah's had a facelift!'.

Toyah replied: "I don't care, I just don't care. My life's about me, I live in this island, no one else does. I'm not bothered about it, I've had far worse things said about me for 30 years."

Toyah also mentioned the negative article the 'News Of The World' magazine SUNDAY ran a few months ago, 'From Beauty to Beast': "I just thought, 'That is exactly why I've had the facelift!'.

Kaye Adams: "The other argument is, is that you are buying into it, you're making yourself vulnerable because you're saying 'Yes, I am being judged by the way I look"

Toyah replied: "I'm not buying into anything. The only thing that frightens me about ageing is ill-health and boredom... All I'm buying into is longevity and a healthy future!"

Jane McDonald said she admired Toyah for "admitting" she has had a facelift on TV.

Kaye Adams: "You've been great at articulating your point of view, and it's a very valid point of view!"

May 26, 2005: Official Toyah website / More gigs announced
[ The Official Toyah website ]The Official Toyah website has been updated (as well as an e-news extra emailed out to subscribers, and a mail out promo for the new 'Safari Singles Collection 1' CD) with a new Toyah Live 05 section, with some great graphics. 

The Gallery has also been updated with a collection of pictures from Saturday's 'Wasted' appearance.

The Ayrshire gig, at Culzean Castle, has now been confirmed. This will be part of the NTS 'Live On The Lawn' day, and is a 20 minute set with the house band used for the 'Here & Now' concerts.

The Official site has also announced four further Toyah gigs/appearances, one for 05, and three for early 2006. With the possibility of more to come.

Toyah - Live 2005
Saturday 2nd July : Hastings - Beer festival (full band)
Friday 12th August : Ayrshire - NTS Live On The Lawn (H&N band)
Sunday 20th August : South Shields - Cookson Festival (H&N band)
Friday 16th September : Wolverhampton - The Robin (full band)
Saturday 15th October : Skegness - Butlins (full band) 
Saturday 19th November : Bognor - Butlins (full band) 
Saturday 3rd December : Minehead - Butlins (PA)

Toyah - Live 2006
Saturday 25th February : Bognor - Butlins (full band)
Sunday 26th February : Skegness - Butlins (full band)
Friday 17th March : Minehead - Butlins (full band)

A number of the above dates are subject to change. 

They also reveal that Toyah's one woman show ‘An Audience with Toyah’ will also premiere in September. Further details on the Offical website very soon.

May 26, 2005: 'Morecambe Today' - Wasted reports
Morcambe Today - Punks star in Toyah story

The 'Wasted' Punk Festival, various venues, Morecambe - As has been highlighted elsewhere in this paper, Wasted's somewhat eclectic line-up attracted a noticeably wider range of gig-goer than has been seen in the resort in previous years, writes Jon Carter.

Alongside many of the usual suspects were several newcomers to the festival including big names of the punk era such as The Stranglers, The Undertones and Toyah.

Each of the four venues had distinct flavours and the event organisers are to be congratulated on their almost perfect balance of acts over the weekend. For the first time I rarely had to decide where I wanted to be at any given time and clashes between bands I wanted to see only happened occasionally.

Thursday evening saw me taking it fairly easy in The Platform where a frankly odd set by Ed Tudorpole was a personal highlight of the festival. 

My Friday night was spent mainly in The Carleton, with just a brief wander to The Dome for The Dead Pets, to indulge in a psychobilly extravaganza including blistering sets by Coffin Nails, Demented Are Go and The Hyperjax, who for those who missed them will be appearing at Lancaster's Yorkshire House this Saturday (May 28).

Elsewhere Sham 69 played to what I'm told was a packed Dome as 80s 'hardcore' giants The Exploited followed Charlie Harper's UK Subs onto the stage in the Market Arena.
Outfit

Saturday afternoon's highlight for many were journalist, TV pundit and all-round bighead John Robb's irrepressible Goldblade, who at one time were joined onstage by kiddie punk outfit Outlaws who recently performed on Blue Peter. 

Following what can only be described as an unusual spoken-word appearance at The Platform by Toyah Willcox, the actress/singer put on a surprisingly slick and well-received show in the Market Arena to an impressive and generally impressed crowd.

Angelic Upstarts gave their best but I soon lost interest and I found myself enjoying the poetic delights of Atilla The Stockbroker back over at The Platform before venturing back into the main Arena to check out The Undertones.

The Stranglers, who since Hugh Cornwell left some years ago, have struggled to creep out of the shadow of their former selves but with a recent critically acclaimed album and an ever confident live set have recreated themselves admirably.

Morecambe Today - They're punky, but I'm not so perky

It's the Monday after the four-day Wasted Festival and I'm not a pretty sight, writes Garth Hamer.

Lack of sleep, a throbbing head and a constant buzzing in the old ear drums and I'm meant to try and review it all.

The re-scheduling of the festival to May unfortunately brought some wet weather and you had to feel sorry for those camping out in the elements.

Musically the festival was a great success with the acoustic stage in the Platform introduced last year providing a respite from the wall of noise in other venues.

The Platform witnessed punk bingo, comedy, spoken word acts like Toyah Willcox who read 'Jackanory' style, cowboy tomfoolery and acoustic sets from the likes of Chumbawamba and TV Smith.

Big name bands like The Stranglers delivered the goods, mixing old favourites like Nuclear Device and No More Heroes with the songs from their excellent latest release Norfolk Coast. I saw many great bands like The Briefs, The New York Relx and the Dead Pets whose set included a live marriage proposal. The girl said yes.

If I had to choose a highlight it would have to be The Undertones, whose set included the classics Get Over You, My Perfect Cousin and of course, Teenage Kicks.

May 25, 2005: Hastings Beer Festival
[ Hastings Beer Festival ]With one successful festival appearance only just fading into the distance, many are now looking ahead to Toyah's headlining spot at the 'Hastings Beer Festival' on Saturday 2nd July. 

Toyah, as with the 'Wasted' gig last Saturday, will be playing with a full live band. The doors open at 6pm and there are 2 acts on before Toyah - a local band and a Madness tribute band.

Tickets can be purchased for the entire weekend, or if preferred day tickets are available. A day ticket costs £12 (plus £1.50 booking fee). The ticket information centre in Hastings is the only source for tickets - their email is hic@hastings.gov.uk and you can buy tickets over the phone on 01424 781111.

Thanks to Stuart (aka 74sjh) at the Dreamscape Forum.

May 25, 2005: 'Weekend' - You Only Live Twice
Toyah was included in a feature in 'Weekend' magazine, free with the 'Daily Mail' last Saturday (21st May), in an article on the Have I Been Here Before? series.

The two-page feature also included Jenny Boyd and DJ Jono Coleman among others.

"You only live twice - Does reincarnation exist?  In a new TV series, celebrities are hypnotized and regressed to see if they have lived before, while a ‘history detective’ looks for factual evidence of their stories. Here, three of the stars describe the experience."

Toyah guests on Have I Been Here Before? this Friday, ITV1 @ 1.30pm.

May 25, 2005: 'The Stage' - Starry first Christmas for First Family Entertainment
First Family Entertainment, the pantomime production company launched in January by Clear Channel Entertainment and the Ambassador Theatre Group, has announced that its inaugural season of shows will feature stars including Susan Hampshire, Kym Marsh, Richard Wilson, Twiggy, Simon Callow, Jonathan Wilkes and Caprice.

From December, the joint venture - formed by Howard Panter for ATG and David Ian for CCE, with producer Kevin Wood as chief executive - will stage pantomimes at eight venues across the UK.

Commenting on the season launch, Panter, managing director of ATG, said: “First Family Entertainment is a brand new pioneering and exciting partnership between CCE and ATG, which will ensure that each show offers the very best in traditional, professional, top-quality family entertainment. We are delighted with our inaugural line up of performers and productions, with several of the principal actors, including Richard Wilson, Susan Hampshire, Simon Callow, Jonathan Wilkes, John Barrowman, Stephen Gately, John Rhys-Davies and Caprice, making their pantomime debut this year.”

Featuring the traditional pantomimes Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin and Mother Goose performed at venues in Brighton, Bromley, Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Richmond, Stoke, Wimbledon and Woking, the season will also feature regular pantomime performers Bobby Davro and Christopher Biggins, as well as singers Stephen Gately and Toyah Willcox, and TV stars Patsy Kensit, Simon Shepherd, Shaun Williamson, Henry Luxemburg and Eric Potts.

May 24, 2005: Toyah On TV - 'Loose Women'
Toyah will guest on Loose Women tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon.

Kaye Adams, and a mix of other female celebrities, on the topical talk show that looks at issues from a female perspective, blending humour, debate and outspoken opinion.

Loose Women : ITV1 - Wednesday 25th May : 2.00pm

May 24, 2005: Celebrity Life Skills
[ Celebrity Life Skills - 24th May 05 ]Toyah was looking great, wearing her bright red PVC catsuit (last spotted at the Birmingham Nightingales PA last June) on this morning's Celebrity Life Skills on Ch4.

This short programme was part of the channel's 'Education' strand.

"Toyah Willcox demonstrates how to disable an attacker using basic self defence with the aid of various objects from the broom cupboard..."

"Actress, writer, and 80's pop icon Toyah Willcox  unleashes her repertoire of self defence moves on an unsuspecting array of broom cupboard objects. For today's reconstruction she will be using a mop-head, a hat-stand, a free-standing shelving unit, a bag of dog biscuits, an elephant's foot umbrella stand, a standard lamp, and a space hopper...."

This was actually very funny. The editing was clever, Toyah's facial expressions and movements quite comical. Very entertaining (and informative:o)) and providing scope for some very cool screen captures.

Please check back soon to Dreamscape's CAPTURED section for a page of caps from this.

May 24, 2005: Toyah on forthcoming 'This is Not Retro' CD compilation
[ This Is Not Retro ]Toyah will be included on a forthcoming compilation CD, 'This Is Not Retro', produced by the REMEMBER THE EIGHTIES website and available to buy online.

No details as yet of which Toyah song it will be, or when the CD is to be released.

"When RememberTheEighties.com was set up in 2002 I had no idea that it would capture people's attention and become this popular, which put me into a difficult place... to keep the site running and up to date takes a huge amount of work; there's the tracking down of the stories; compiling and sending the weekly newsletter; the arranging interviews, doing the interviews, typing them up and getting them online; there's the competitions to arrange and put online; the sending of prizes etc.

You get the idea... RememberTheEighties.com is a lot of work and although it's work I'm happy to do it does tend to take time away from the other things that I should be doing in my life - I work for myself so time is money and all that!

So the question then arose about how to make money from the site - not fortunes, but enough to allow me the time to keep it running?

I knew that I didn't want to cover the site with adverts and banners and those irritating pop-ups and I knew that I wanted the site to be free to access, so I decided to look into selling things... first of all I thought of t-shirts (they are designed and they will be online very soon!) and then I thought about music.

After all this site is all about reconnecting people with the artists they loved in the eighties, so why not do a compilation of NEW material from some of those artists and sell that?

So that's what I've done. 

'This Is Not Retro' is the name of the label and the first compilation will be available to buy online very soon... I don't want to give too much away just yet, but the album will feature contemporary tracks from around 20 of the artists regularly featured on this site!"

May 23, 2005: Toyah on TV
Celebrity Life Skills : Channel 4 - Tuesday 24th May : 9.20am

Self Defence. Celebrities explain how to handle extraordinary situations using everyday objects found around the house and office. Toyah Willcox demonstrates how to disable an attacker, with the aid of various objects from the broom cupboard. 

Don't forget that Toyah guests on Have I Been Here Before? this Friday afternoon on ITV1

"Phillip Schofield presents a series in which celebrity guests regress to their past lives. Toyah Willcox recalls a life of enforced solitude in a church in 15th-century Holland, dying alone and lamenting her wasted life. Could Toyah's past life be a reflection of her own fears about her present one?"

Toyah is also rumoured to be guesting on Loose Women sometime this week. The show is on each weekday, 2 - 2.45pm. ITV1. (Thanks to Waddy)

While on the subject of daytime ITV1, can I just mention that Maggie Kirkpatrick (most famous for playing Joan 'The Freak' Ferguson on Prisoner: Cell Block H) will be guesting on The Paul O'Grady Show one evening this week (ITV1 5pm). Paul is in for a big surprise!! I'm giving it a little plug because I maintain Maggie's website too [www.geocities.com/maggieksite].

May 22, 2005: Dreamscape 'LIVE' section
[ Dreamscape's LIVE section ]Newly added to Dreamscape's TOYAH Live section.... a page dedicated to yesterday's two appearances at the 'Wasted' Punk Festival in Morecambe.

Toyah, of course, played a SPOKEN WORD set at The Platform, before a FULL BAND set at The Market Arena a couple of hours later.

The Live section has slowly built up to be an (hopefully) interesting chronicle of Toyah's live appearances and gigs since Dreamscape first started in 2000. As well as an overview page of Toyah's live history.

The new 'Wasted' page wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic Toyah pictures John Shepherd took at yesterday's festival, and the information submitted by a couple of really helpful Toyah fans.

Likewise, every other page wouldn't be the same without the photograph and information contributions by numerous people from dozens of gigs from over the years.

Each and every one is much appreciated. It's good that so many people have helped build up a visual reference to Toyah's live Noughties history!

2005 is shaping up to be an interesting year for Toyah live dates, with PA's at nighclubs, full band sets at festivals, including headlining at the 'Hastings Beer Festival' in July, and a private appearance along the way too. 

Already there has been four great shows this year (Blackpool, Dublin and two in Morecambe) with, at least, another six to look forward to.

Please click on the loooooong screenshot to view the new 'Wasted' page, or browse through any of the 15 sections included.

May 21, 2005: 'Wasted' tit-bits!!
[ Toyah @ Wasted - thanks to John Shepherd ]Another cool pic from this evening's performance at the 'Wasted' Festival in Morecambe (courtesey of John Shepherd).

Not sure of it's just the picture, but the colour of the outfit/tutu looks more plum than black here!

• With songs from 'Sheep Farming In Barnet', 'The Blue Meaning', 'Anthem', and 'Love Is The Law' tonight's set was a real Safari-fest for fans who managed to make it to Morecambe.

• Toyah almost included 'Till Victory' by Patti Smith in her set.

• The big surprise, in a set-list of surprises, was the inclusion of 'I Explode' in the 14 song set. A song Toyah has played live very rarely. Was it perhaps played on some of the 'Rebel Run' 1983 tour dates?

• Amazing to see 'Little Tears Of Love' included. Definitely Toyah's best song of the Noughties, and one of the finest of her 26 year long recording career.

• The final song was 'I Want To be Free'. Toyah gave the audience the choice between that or  Guns 'N Roses' 'Sweet Child O Mine'.

• Toyah said of 'I Want To Be Free': "This is a clapometer song. I want to hear you!"

• I managed to hear two of the songs; 'She Sells Sanctuary' and 'Ieya' - Both sounded excellent.

THANKS again to John Shepherd for the great Toyah pictures.

May 21, 2005: Toyah's 'Wasted' set-list
[ Wasted Festival - 21st May 05 ]Toyah's 'Wasted' set-list is freaking fantastic! 

The atmosphere is amazing too. I heard a bit on the phone. 'Ieya' sounded awesome!

Hello I Love You - The Doors
Obsolete
Race Through Space
Neon Womb 
Little Tears Of Love
Thunder In The Mountains
Jungles Of Jupiter
Our Movie
It's A Mystery
Danced
I Explode
She Sells Sanctuary - The Cult
Ieya
I Want To Be Free

Toyah is indeed wearing the short black tutu that Robert mentioned recently in his online diary.

Well guessed Andi (elus!ve stranger @ the Forum) ;o)

Massive THANKS to John Shepherd for the picture 

May 21, 2005: Toyah's 'WASTED' Spoken Word set
[ Wasted - Spoken Word set ]Taken, by John Shepherd, literally minutes ago!! Toyah during her Spoken Word performance at the 'Wasted' festival!!

John said: "The spoken word was a bit bizarre. It was a fable/story. I was not paying attention, too busy taking photos, though trust me to sit where the microphone was right infront of her face.

She signed photographs and met fans for about ten minutes afterwards, very friendly to everyone. Mr Tin Tin was playing body guard, managed to say a quick hello."

As I type this Toyah should be onstage for her music set...

Massive THANKS to John for the picture and information.

May 21, 2005: 'Weekly News' - The Truth About My Facelift
[ Weekly News - 21st May 05 ]Toyah graces the cover of this week's 'Weekly News', with a centre-page interview talking about her facelift and the 'Diary Of A Facelift' book.

'I just couldn't look in the mirror any more,' says Toyah.

The interview focuses on topics covered in numerous other interviews over the past few months, but Toyah does reveal details about her next "project".

"My next project is a TV drama where I play a 35-year-old.

"I'm 47! The irony is that when I was 35, I never got to play 35-year-olds. On TV then I was being asked to play 45-year-olds."

The 'Weekly News' is on sale at newsagents for the next few days.

Thanks to Rhona Howard for this.

May 20, 2005: 'Wasted' - Update
Toyah's SPOKEN WORD set will take place at THE PLATFORM: 4.25pm and is scheduled to run for approx one hour.

Her MUSIC set will be at The Market Arena: 6.50pm. Not sure how long the set will be but the next band is scheduled onstage @ 8.10pm.

To everyone who is going - Have a Toyahtastic time. Could someone PLEASE take a few pics and a mental note of the set-list? It would be appreciated muchly!

Thanks to John at the Dreamscape Forum for the info.

May 20, 2005: 'Morecambe Today' - It's that time of year again
[ Morecambe Today - 18th May 05 ]Colour, noise and outrageous hairstyles will take over Morecambe once more this week when the Wasted Punk Festival comes to town.

The celebration of punk music and culture runs from today, with a pre-event party at the Carleton, until Sunday.

Several Morecambe venues will be used, including the Dome, the Market Arena and the Platform.
Artists appearing will include The Stranglers, The Undertones, Toyah Willcox and returning by popular demand, Chas and Dave.

A weekend ticket costs £75 (£80 when bought during the festival) and a single day ticket costs £25 (£30 during the festival). There are no Thursday only tickets.

They can be bought locally from Morecambe Tourist Information Centre, telephone 582808. 

There will also be an official 'Punk City' festival camp site at the Trimpell Club. Live bands will also appear at the Trimpell on both Friday and Sunday.

For more details log on to www.wastedfestivals.com

18th May 2005

May 20, 2005: Toyah on TV - 'Have I Been Here Before?'
According to the 'Radio Times' Toyah will guest on Have I Been Here Before? a week today, Friday 27th May.

"Toyah Willcox is regressed to reveal a past life of solitude in 15th-century Holland."

Have I Been Here Before? : ITV1 - Friday 27th May : 1.30pm

May 20, 2005: 'Megastar' - Elegantly Wasted
Blimey! Grandad's got a mohican!

Two days in and two to go for Britain's - oh all right, the world's - biggest festival for punks, Morecambe, Lancs, of all places (May 19-22).

Wasted 2005 is attracting fans old, new and very old (even as old as the band members, some of 'em) to the seaside resort, as they attempt to recreate the spirit of the first punk explosion of 1977 and beyond.

No Clash, Buzzcocks or Sex Pistols, sadly. But the premier league of the movement is represented by the likes of The Stranglers and The Undertones.

Other big names from the vintage bondage trouser era include the superb Angelic Upstarts, Sham 69, 999, The Rezillos, Chelsea, Toyah (yes, the very same), Penetration, Peter and the Test Tube Babies and many others.

The suddenly-hip Chas and Dave - we reckon it's the Pete Doherty/Libertines namecheck factor that's done it - are also penned in for a Sunday slot.

Punk's Not Dead: it's just lost a bit of hair, had a few grandchildren and has got a retirement do coming up.

by Phil kemp
19th May 2005

May 20, 2005: Toyah on Sky Movies
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies 7 - Saturday 21st May : 00.05am
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies 3 - Friday 27th May : 00.50am
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies 7 - Monday 30th May : 00.00am

[ Most Fertile Man In Ireland ]Bedded by his town's good-time girl, Eamonn quickly acquires a reputation as a man who can make babies. 

While both sides of Belfast struggle with their sperm-counts, the lucky man becomes the hot property of both Catholics and Protestants. Crown jewel comedy. 

Director: Dudi Appleton. Starring: Kris Marshall, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Bronagh Gallagher, James Nesbitt, Kenneth Cranham, Toyah Willcox and Olivia Nash.

May 20, 2005: 'This Is The Lake District' - Punks prepare to get Wasted
Morecambe's sea of grey-haired grannies is about to be brightened up by thousands of rainbow-coloured coifs as the country's punks prepare for Wasted.

The seaside town will be taken over by spiky hair and circulation-stopping drainpipes as the annual four-day punk festival gets under way.

As of last night (Thursday) The Carleton, The Market Arena and The Dome play host to some of the biggest names in rebel rock including The Stranglers, Sham 69, The Exploited and er... Chaz and Dave.

Tonight (Friday), Morecambe's Market Arena springs into punk life as veterans the UK Subs, Anti Nowhere League and Drongs for Europe hit the stage. Meanwhile, a stone's throw away, Sham 69 and the Pubcrawlers play at the Dome and Combat Shock take over the Carleton.

Saturday is a star-studded day with The Stranglers, Toyah and the Undertones diving into action at the Market Arena.

Sunday sees punk favourites Wasted and chirpy Cockney duo Chas n Dave banging out some of their old favourites at The Dome while TV Smith and his band play at The Market Arena.

Tickets for Wasted are still available from the Morecambe Tourist Information Office. For details, call 01524-582808.

by Matt Donlan
Thursday 19th May 2005

May 20, 2005: Culzean Castle - Tickets
Tickets for the Culzean Castle gig, as well as a host of other concerts, can be obtained through the National Trust for Scotland website or via the dedicated booking line 0870 1181931. A £3 booking fee applies. These went on sale on 16th May.

The concert with Toyah, taking place on 12th August, also features Kim Wilde,The Strangles, and T'Pau.

http://www.nts.org.uk/

May 18, 2005: Happy Birthday
MANY HAPPY RETURNS to Toyah, who celebrates her 47th birthday today. Have a great day. 

Best Wishes from Dreamscape and (I'm sure) all visitors.

May 18, 2005: 'It's Behind You' - Snow White 2005/6
[ Snow White 2005/6 ]According to the 'It's Behind You' PANTOMIME DIARY for 2005/6, Toyah will be appearing in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Milton Keynes Theatre this Christmas.

They say the show will run from 9th Dec '05 - 22nd Jan '06.

No info on which role (Snow White?) Toyah will play, other cast members etc. as yet. Further information will become available in the coming months of 2005.

May 18, 2005: 'The Safari Records Singles Collection' Volume 1
[ Safari Singles Collection 1 ]The release of 'The Safari Records Singles Collection' - Volume 1 has been delayed for a very short time.

The CD will now be available on Monday 30th May. 

Cherry Records recently updated their website, including info on Toyah and this CD.

Originally from Birmingham Toyah Wilcox was a professional actress whose film appearances included Jubilee and Quadrophenia, when she suddenly found parallel success as a highly visual punk/pop singer. She is now also a frequently seen TV personality. 

The first in our 2 part series, this release contains all the 'A' and 'B' sides from the first 6 Toyah singles. They all reached the Top 10 of the INDIE SINGLES CHART, and 'It's A Mystery' reached No 1 and was in the Indie Chart for 24 weeks. It also made No 4 in the official chart. 

As if that wasn’t enough for starters, this brilliant release also features several tracks that have never been available on CD before. 

Victims of the Riddle Part I / Victims Of The Riddle Part II / Neon Womb / Indecision / Waiting / Our Movie / Danced / Last Goodbye / Bird In Flight / Tribal Look / Leya / The Helium Song / Danced (Live) / Ghosts (Live) / Neon Womb (Live) / It's a Mystery / Revelations / Warboys / Angels and Demons.

May 18, 2005: 'Wasted' Festival
Toyah, of course, will play two sets at the WASTED Festival this Saturday. Apparently her MUSIC set will begin at approximately 6.50pm. The Stranglers are the first band to play and are scheduled to be on at 12.30pm. The running order for the Main Stage for Saturday is:

The Stranglers
The Undertones
Angelic Upstarts
The Opressed
Toyah
The Subhumans
999
Goldblade
MDM
Stage Bottles
Los Fastidios

Unfortunately there is little information, at present, regarding Toyah's SPOKEN WORD set.

Not sure of ticket availability at this late stage but a day ticket costs £25. Tel: 02476 559992 

Thanks to Stuart and John at the Dreamscape Forum.

May 18, 2005: Toyah to play @ Culzean Castle, Ayrshire Scotland / Gigs 2005
Tee up for a bandtastic summer

The National Trust for Scotland team up with Glastonbury producers to launch a festival of outdoor pop, rock, opera and jazz in some of Scotland's most stunning castles.

[ClickPress, Mon May 16 2005] The National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Dick Tee, producer of the main stage at Glastonbury, to launch a mega-festival of outdoor rock, pop, opera and jazz. The legendary impresario, has been lured north of the border by the prospect of organising gigs at some of Scotland’s most stunning castles. 

Starting on 29th July, Ocean Colour Scene will kick of the series surrounded by the magnificent 16th Century splendour of Crathes Castle in Banchory, Aberdeenshire. The following night, Status Quo will rock all over Crathes with their brilliantly executed set of head-banging classics. The focus then turns to Edinburgh, with three very different musical treats. Newhailes, the 17th Century masterpiece that features in the Scottish Enlightenment, plays host to Fun Lovin’ Criminals on the 5th August, the Rat Pack (Live from Las Vegas) on 6th August and Amici Forever with the Scottish Opera Orchestra on 7th August. As if that wasn’t enough, the spectacular Robert Adam designed Culzean Castle in Ayrshire, will host 80’s legends The Stranglers, Kim Wilde, T’Pau and Toyah on 12th August. To round off, chart toppers Girls Aloud and Glasgow’s finest, Darius will share the bill on 13th August. 

Commenting on the extravaganza, Ian Preece, Head of Marketing at the National Trust for Scotland said: "The Trust is guardian of some of Scotland’s finest houses, castles, gardens and wildland. The history, stories, significance and settings make these properties ideal venues for music of all kinds. We are keenly aware that these properties acted as a focal point for their local communities and indeed the nation. We are therefore ensuring that this role continues through an array of exciting events, not least of which is the musical feast that we describe as Scotland’s national prom."

Tickets for the gigs can be obtained from today through the National Trust for Scotland website www.nts.org.uk or via the dedicated booking line 0870 1181931. A £3 booking fee applies. 

Summing up, Dick Tee said: "These shows are massive and exemplify the scale and scope of the Trust’s ambition to make its properties accessible to as wide an audience as possible. This has been a major undertaking over many months, lining up the headline acts, and we are also talking to some fantastic support bands too. It’s going to be a hot summer in many ways."

[Source: CLICK PRESS - Global News Distribution - 16th May 2005]

Toyah - Live 2005
Saturday 21st May : Morecambe - Wasted Festival (full band) 
Saturday 2nd July : Hastings - Beer festival (full band)
Friday 12th August : Ayrshire - Culzean Castle (full band?)
Friday 16th September : Wolverhampton - The Robin (full band)
Saturday 15th October : Skegness - Butlins (full band) 
Saturday 19th November : Bognor - Butlins (full band) 
Saturday 3rd December : Minehead - Butlins (PA)

Toyah has already made two live appearances this year, with PA's in Blackpool (Flamingo's) on 28th March and Dublin (The George) on 9th April.

May 18, 2005: Newsy bits& pieces! - Further 'Fifi'!/'The Mirror' - Seven days with Sam Mann
[ Fifi Awards 2005 ]A couple more great pictures taken at the recent 'Fifi Awards'.

TV personality Toyah Willcox attends the UK FiFi Awards at The Dorchester on April 25, 2005 in London, England. The awards mirror the International FiFi Awards in New York, recognizing the best fragrances launches in the previous year. As well as for best new male and female fragrances, awards are also given for the best advertising campaigns and packaging, with monies raised to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Mirror - Seven Days With Sam Mann : ABOUT TOWN

As extreme makeover shows take over our screens showing people having bits cut off, added on, pulled and ironed out, the nation is going nip and tuck mad. But our favourite celebrities are the biggest culprits when it comes to denying having ever come into contact with a scalpel, knife or needle.

So bumping into '80s pop idol Toyah Willcox this week was a breath of fresh air as she was more than happy to tell me all about her recent facelift. In fact, she's so happy with the results that she's written a book all about it, A Diary Of A Facelift.

I was chatting to the fabulous-looking 46-year-old at the glitzy Laurent Perrier Pink Party, courtesy of the fabulous bubbly firm. It took place at the swanky Sanderson Hotel with celebrity guests including Patrick Kielty, David Seaman and Will Young, who was chilling in the garden area which was decked out with beautiful candles. Laydeez man David Walliams was hanging out with TV presenter Nick Knowles. Maybe he's given up on girls. On second thoughts, there's more chance of Elton turning straight.

[Source: The Mirror - 5th May 2005]

May 18, 2005: 'Andromeda Rising' - Rebel Running!
[ Andromeda Rising ]Pay a visit to the 'Andromeda Rising' website if you would like to hear the singer's cover version of Toyah's epic 1983 single 'Rebel Run'.

"2003 was a landmark year for AR. Building on the years of training, experience and self-teaching, the 3-track demo CD, ‘NEON', was produced. Containing two original works ('Fixated' & ‘High Life') and a rousing cover of the Toyah classic 'Rebel Run', as well as boasting a much more professional sound, this release has gained a substantial following. The intention is that this will be expanded to become a full album ... an intention that is soon to become a reality."

Please click on the screenshot to visit the website.

May 18, 2005: 'I Want To Be Free' @ www.karaoke-me.com
[ Karaoke Me ]A Toyah classic, 'I Want To Be Free', from 1981 is currently featured at the KARAOKE ME website.

The "singer" performing the karaoke version of the song leaves a little to be desired, but it's interesting to see that the song has proved very popular with website visitors. It is one of the most popular people have picked to change the lyrics.

Thanks to Andrew York. Please click on the screenshot to visit the website.

May 13, 2005: Toyah's Celebrity Home?
[ Toyah - at home!? ]Shouldn't you be wearing an apron in front of that Aga, Modom? ;o)

These AMAZING pictures of Toyah are, I think, taken from the photo session that was shot for inclusion in the, now closed, 'Celebrity Homes' magazine.

Toyah was due to be included in the September/October 2004 issue and dozens of pictures were taken for the feature.

Judging by these it would have been a great article, and much more interesting than your common or garden 'OK!' or boring old 'Hello!' pieces!

May 13, 2005: 'Have I Been Here Before?'
Toyah will be guesting on the new ITV1 daytime show, Have I Been Here Before? The series begins on Monday 16th May and is broadcast each weekday at 1.30pm. She isn't listed in the first week of shows so perhaps will be included in week two. Check listings mags from 23rd May onwards to be sure.

This taken from a recent edition of UK tabloid 'The Mirror':

"A daytime show initally called Celebrity Regression has been retitled Have I Been Here Before? It involves stars being hypnotised on telly. Prepare your peepers for the sight of Shaun Williamson, Lisa I'Anson (yes, again), Jennie Bond and Joe Pasquale, among others, lying down and talking nonsense to therapist Andrea Foulkes.

Hosted by Phillip Schofield, it'll take the stars back to their previous lives.

You couldn't make it up."

Thanks to Paul Lomas.

May 13, 2005: Toyah on TV
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies 7 - Tuesday 17th May : 3.55am
The Most Fertile Man In Ireland : Sky Movies 7 - Saturday 21st May : 0.05am
Bedded by his town's good-time girl, Eamonn quickly acquires a reputation as a man who can make babies. While both sides of Belfast struggle with their sperm-counts, the lucky man becomes the hot property of both Catholics and Protestants. Crown jewel comedy. Director: Dudi Appleton. Starring: Kris Marshall, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Bronagh Gallagher, James Nesbitt, Kenneth Cranham, Toyah Willcox and Olivia Nash.

What Women Really Want : UK Style - Sunday 22nd May : 8.00pm
What Women Really Want : UK Style Plus 1 - Sunday 22nd May : 9.00pm
What Women Really Want : UK Style - Sunday 22nd May : 10.30pm
What Women Really Want : UK Style Plus 1 - Sunday 22nd May : 11.30pm
Girlfriends. Get up close and personal with the female psyche in