Martin Fry and ABC, Toyah Willcox and Howard Jones, are all on the bill on Friday, October 20, from 7.30pm.

The artists created groundbreaking tunes in the 1980s and enjoyed countless chart hits. Martin Fry and ABC had such memorable hits as Poison Arrow, The Look Of Love and When Smokey Sings. Toyah Willcox exploded onto the 80s scene with It's A Mystery and I Want to Be Free, displaying a streak of punk-influenced attitude. 

Howard Jones had a succession of top 10 hits including Like To Get To Know You Well and What Is Love?.

It promises to be a great blast from the past of electro-pop classics.

Tickets are £22.50, available from The Sands Centre Box Office on 01228 625222 or online at: www.thesandscentre.co.uk

[ News Source: www.whitehaven-news.co.uk - Monday 28th September 2006 ]

Pop star and Quadrophenia actress Toyah Willcox says she prefers performing in panto to the Australian jungle.

The feisty Eighties pop icon, who was a contestant on I'm A Celebrity! Get Me Out Of Here, will star in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal in Brighton this Christmas with former male stripper and X Factor contestant Chico.

Toyah is a veteran when it comes to pantomimes - this will be her 14th. She is looking forward to working with Chico and loves coming back to Brighton - this will be her sixth pantomime at the Theatre Royal.

She said: "I am one of the genies. Brighton's such a fabulous and cultural place to be, it is going to be an exciting Christmas.

"I am addicted to pantomime, it gets me through the winter and it is also the only time you perform in front of three generations of one family. It puts your feet on the ground when you look out there.

"Panto is demanding, it is never boring or tedious. Working with Chico is going to be perfect.

"He has a magnetism and is charismatic. He's generally wonderful to watch and I think the audience is going to love him."

It will be the first time Chico, a Moroccan goatherder who moved to Crawley when he was 14, has performed in pantomine and he is relishing the prospect of playing the lead role.

He said: "It is a natural progression and there is going to be a bit of Chico time' in there. My head is in the clouds and my feet have not touched the ground. I am riding a wave and I don't want it to stop. What I love about panto is the audience participation.

"I love children and they love me. There will be a good crosssection of families there."

The Theatre Royal is celebrating its 200th birthday while the panto is on. Chico never imagined he would be treading the boards, let alone be the show's main attraction.

He said: "I had dreamt about it but I never thought I would end up doing it. But if you believe in it, it only goes to show you can do it."

Aladdin runs from December 14 until January 14 and tickets cost £11.50 to £20.

[ News Source: www.theargus.co.uk - Monday 25th September 2006 ]

[ Source: 'London Lite' - 18th September 2006 - Thanks to Michael Cooney ]

Hitmaker Toyah’s in fine form
By Caroline Dutton

Toyah Willcox is up there with puffball skirts and neon leg-warmers when it comes to embodying the Eighties. And on October 12 she's taking a trip down memory lane alongside fellow '80s icons Martin Fry of ABC, and Howard Jones on the Hitmakers Tour.

Toyah Willcox is positively champing at the bit to climb into her outrageous stage costume and belt out the hits in the up-coming Hitmakers Tour.

"I can't wait!" She shouts excitedly down the phone.

"I worked with Martin Fry and Howard Jones about three years ago and it'll be really good to be back with them. We all love each other's music and we all have very upbeat hits."

Squeezing three of the Eighties biggest electro-pop stars onto one stage seems a recipe for disaster, but Toyah insists there's no diva-behaviour.

"There's no room for egos in this kind of work," she said. "But we all have that Eighties' bigness about us. We're certainly not wallflowers by any means!"

Toyah exploded onto the scene in the late 1970s with a mean streak of punk-influenced attitude shown in songs like It's A Mystery' and I Want to Be Free'.

1982 saw her winning Best Female Singer in the Rock & Pop Awards and more recently she has graced theatre stages and television productions in a varied acting career and even had a stint in the Australian jungle as a contestant on I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!' She says musicians nowadays have it much harder.

"The music industry was very different when I started out," she said. "We had independent labels the whole point of punk was that if you made 500 singles you could sell them yourself. That whole ethic kept it going.

"Now record companies are very big and very corporate. If you don't sell a million you're out. I think that's really harsh but I'm optimistic because My Space and You Tube are allowing bands the kind of platform we got. The whole world is tuning in to see what people are up to.

"It would just be so wrong if the only intention of the music business was to sell a million albums. We'd lose all that wonderful diversity."

The Hitmakers tour comes hard on the heels of a resurgence in the popularity of 80s music and fashion - something Toyah is revelling in.

"I'm loving the 1980s coming back in fashion," she said.

"You've got to remember that in the 1990s the 80s was considered the pits. It reminded people of Thatcherism and consumerism. But the one thing that's positively survived is the music because it's so optimistic.

"Our audiences range from 15 to 60 year olds. The young kids don't remember the bad days of politics around the 80s, they just remember the music."

Toyah said she was lucky to "side-step" negative associations with the eighties throughout the 1990s because she focused on her acting and presenting career.

"All through the 1990s I was presenting on TV and wasn't involved in music much at all, " she said. "It allowed me to almost step away from the barrage of insults.

"Now in 2000s I'm playing Wembley, Manchester Arena. I certainly wouldn't have expected that in my 40s."

And she admitted keeping herself looking much younger than her 48 years takes effort.

"I have to battle with my weight the whole time," she said.

"I eat a good organic veggie diet, I go to bed early, I don't drink. You've got to and that's not just to stay looking attractive either, that's to have the energy to perform. We're all the same. On this tour all our partying will be done at tea time - we'll all be in bed by 11pm."

So what can audiences expect from the Hitmakers Tour?

"A completely uplifting evening," said Toyah.

"All of us are totally in love with our music and in love with our audience. You'll get the hits, it's up tempo, it's up beat and we want to send everyone away with a big smile on their faces."

You can't say fairer than that.

See Toyah Willcox, Martin Fry and ABC, and Howard Jones in the Hitmakers Tour, at Manchester Opera House, on October 12. For tickets call 0161 242 2524.

[ News Source: www.thisislancashire.co.uk - 26th September 2006 ]

TOYAH WILLCOX: Toyah, 48 is a singer and actress. She lives in a house in Worcestershire with her musician husband, Robert Fripp. She is touring with fellow Eighites pop stars Howard Jones and ABC, and she has recently made a series of wildlife documentaries for the BBC. 

Toyah says: Last month I bought a copy of Vogue and it had a 20-page advertisement for fur coats from a French furrier stapled into the middle of it. I was so angry that Vogue was condoning fur in this way that I wanted to take the magazine back to the shop.

It seems like the fashion industry has turned its back on the anti-fur campaigns of the Nineties. That's why I decided to bare all and turn my back, literally, on fur - like Sadie Frost. It's not the easiest thing to do, especially when you are my age, but it's something I feel strongly about.

To be honest, I even find it diffcult wearing fake fur because it promotes the look of fur. I have a wonderful leopard print Biba-esque coat from my mother but it is such good quality that it looks real. I worry what people might think, so usually it stays in the wardrobe.

It's fantastic that realistic alternatives can be made but I find myself raising my eyebrows when I see great fakes because I have to question whether they are real. I think the problem lies in the vanity of the wearer as well as the cruelty of the industry. It would be best if fur was off the shelves and catwalks for good.

[ News Source: 'Daily Mail' - 25th September 2006 ]

Toyah: "My dreams, the texture of my dreams has changed considerably over the years, and the only thing that gets me to sleep, because I'm quite phobic about sleeping, I really resent giving up that time in the day, is the thought that I might dream. 

When I was a child my dreams were vivid to the pint of terrifying. And very tangible and very solid. Bit now, as a 48 year-old woman, my dreams are quite flimsy... they're like chiffon in the wind... having less and less meaning. But when I was a child they were life changing dreams! 

For a full transcript and selection of screen captures from the programme, please see the June 2006 News Archive.

Text to follow soon.

[ News Source: 'Daily Mail' - 25th September 2006 - Thanks to Ruby ]

[ Thanks to Craig, Alan, all at Edsel & Toyah for another awesome T CD! ]

• The CD booklet includes an introduction by Toyah.

• The actual disc is a picture CD, featuring the famous Salisbury Cathedral. Toyah is quoted as saying that the beautiful Cathedral is: "a time travelling Tardis!"

• Two songs, 'Requite Me' and 'Tears For Elie' are, for all intents and purposes, brand new. They were recorded in 1992 but will be new to most people's ears, though 'Requite Me' was performed at a few Sunday All Over The World gigs many moons ago.

• It appears there are further unheard Toyah songs (mostly demos) waiting in the wings! Namely: 'Poland', 'I Need A Man' (an old Janis Joplin song), 'Am I Just A Fool', and 'Towers and Masks'. Let's hope they will, some day, be made available too.

• The album is dedicated to Edie Fripp and Elizabeth Frink.

• Most online stores are now listing the CD for sale. Hopefully High Street/Shopping Mall stores will be stocking it too.

• "I hope some of the songs will get picked up for a film soundtrack one day," says Toyah. "I give the best vocal performances of my career on this album".

• Hear for yourself by adding 'Take The Leap!' to your CD collection.

[ News Source: www.lfi.co.uk - September 2006 ]

• This coming weekend (29th Sep - 1st Oct) there will be yet more interesting additions and updates to Dreamscape; including more screen caps from Faith & Music and The 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80s, another download from Faith & Music, further pictures from the Aladdin Photo Call, and a surprise two-part "legendary" (doh!) download for your eyes and ears. As well as all the usual TV and Toyah newsy bits...

Check back soon for further screen caps of Toyah from the show.

Theatre Royal Brighton’s Chief Executive, Julien Boast, said: “Chico is a natural entertainer and is the ideal panto performer. 

"We’re delighted that he’ll be starring here, together with Toyah Willcox. Together they offer something for everyone, making Theatre Royal Brighton the first choice for audiences seeking the perfect Christmas show.”

They have also kindly added a link to Dreamscape too - Thanks!

[ News Source: www.magazine.brighton.co.uk - 22nd September 2006 ]

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NHU and running over two weeks, the show kicks off on BBC ONE, early next year, with an hour-long launch programme hosted by David and Alan.

each day a celebrity will highlight the plight of a threatened animal with the series culminating in a live fund-raising extravaganza raising cash for UK-based charities involved in global conservation.

Celebrities will be highlighting the plight of rhinos hunted for their horns; turtles whose eggs are stolen; orang-utans suffering from the deforestation of their habitat; crocodiles endangered by hunters; as well as elephants, tigers, sharks and albatrosses, who are threatened by the destruction of their habitats and poaching.

Saving Planet Earth will also feature on BBC TWO, CBBC, bbc.co.uk and Nations and Regions programming.

On BBC TWO, eight celebrities will battle it out in Safari School – a gruelling ranger-training course at the Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa, under the watchful eye of presenter, animal expert Charlotte Uhlenbroek. The winner will then have the chance to release the rescued big cats into the African Bush.

From basking sharks in the South West to eagles in Scotland, some of the UK's best-known faces, including Dick Strawbridge, Chris Ryan, Toyah Willcox and Brian Blessed, will be finding out what can be done to help them.

[ News Source: www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice - 22nd September 2006 ]

Part Two (airing between 6.00 and 10.00pm) is presented by Toyah and Bananarama.

The 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80s : VH1 - Sat 23rd September : 6.00 - 10.00pm
We're counting down the 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s, including the likes of Duran Duran, Madonna, New Order, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Queen, Spandau Ballet, and many more.

[ Thanks to Andi Westhorpe ]

Before leaving, Toyah said she had really enjoyed her Masterchef experience, and they even played 'It's A Mystery' as she exited left.

The 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80s : VH1 - Sat 23rd September : 1.00 - 6.00pm
The 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80s : VH1 - Sat 23rd September : 6.00 - 10.00pm
We're counting down the 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s, including the likes of Duran Duran, Madonna, New Order, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Queen, Spandau Ballet, and many more.

[ Many thanks to Merx for these ]

[ Many thanks to Merx for these ]

Toyah said at the start of the programme: "I love competition. And I love Masterchef."

Food writer Greg Wallace, said: "Toyah! I'm fascinated by her. This lady has had a hell of a career. There doesn't seem to be anything this lady cannot turn her hand to. And if she's decided that she wants to cook and wants to be known for her cooking I think we can expect some good stuff."

Toyah: "When I found out I was doing this I started prepping my menus a good two weeks ago. So I'm taking it incredibly seriously!"

She is back on BBC1 this evening, this time up against the other heat winners of this week; Roger Black, Rowland Rivron & Matt Dawson.

Celebrity Masterchef : BBC1 - Friday 22nd September : 7.00pm
Chef and restaurateur John Torode and food writer Greg Wallace are looking for the country's top celebrity chef. This week's heats have produced four winners, but only two will make it through to the semi-finals. The first test is the classic recipe, where all four celebs will have to cook the same dish - at the end, one will be eliminated. The remaining three must then impress the judges with their knowledge and passion for food and cook an exceptional three-course meal.

Calling all fans of chart-topping Chico and pop legend Toyah Willcox! 

The two stars will be showing off their talent at Theatre Royal Brighton this Saturday 23 September, in a tantalising free preview of this year’s enchanting panto, Aladdin. 

The Theatre is hosting a special one-hour taster session at 11am when Chico who plays Aladdin and Toyah, the Genie of the Lamp, will be talking about the show and performing on stage. They will be joined by other members of the colourful cast.

Advance booking is not necessary but seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so don’t be late!  For further information call 01273 764413 before Saturday.

Aladdin runs from 14 December – 14 January 2006. 

[ News Source: Theatre Royal Brighton / Merx - 20th September 2006 ]

Toyah, Chico and other cast members will be in attendance at the launch. Expect to see press pics in national and local newspapers over the coming weeks.

CHICO and TOYAH WILLCOX star in ALADDIN
14 December 2006 - 14 January 2007 
The perfect festive family treat! 

[ Source: www.toyahwillcox.com / Theatre Royal Brighton / Merx - Sep 2006 ]

[ Source: www.toyahwillcox.com - 20th September 2006 ]

• Toyah's forthcoming photo shoot with 'Hello!' magazine will be with her sister Nicola.

• The 2007 dates the 'Butlins' website is listing are as follows: Friday 23rd - Monday 26th February 2007: Includes: Toyah, Go West, Bad Manners, Dr & the Medics, The Pasadenas, Katrina, Then Jerico & Limahl. And Friday 16th - Monday 19th March 2007: Includes: Toyah, Then Jerico, Bad Manners & T'Pau. 

• Minna has, once more, updated her 'Toyah Willcox Article Archive' website. This time with Toyah's 1991 Sunday All Over the World interview transcript.

• There seems to be a fair number of people who missed Faith & Music. Toyah mentioned in her Diary earlier this year, just after completing filming, that the documentary would possibly be repeated at Christmas.

• Toyah was namechecked in a review of The Three Johns gig at the Brixton Windmill on 18th September: "1st band were Striplight. who feature the bass player from the Mekons and a guitarist from curve. They were pretty good. Had that girly punk sound along the lines of early Toyah and rubella ballet. Singer had glitter all around her eyes and looked quite strange." 

Quadrophenia : Men & Motors - Wednesday 4th October : 10.00pm
The Who wrote and produced this energetic story of a young man disillusioned with his life in 1960s London. Phil Daniels excels as the alienated anti-hero Jimmy Cooper. Directed by Franc Roddam. Starring: Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Philip Davis, Mark Wingett, Sting, Ray Winstone and Toyah Willcox. 

[ Thanks to Andi Westhorpe ]

Tune into BBC1 this evening at 7pm to watch Toyah's heat of Celebrity Masterchef. The other celebs are Sue Perkins and Kristian Digby.

Celebrity Masterchef : BBC1 - Thursday 21st September : 7.00pm

[ Many THANKS to Andi Westhorpe ]

[ Source: www.toyahinterview.blogspot.com - 18th Sep 2006 ]

• Toyah is nameckecked in a recent review of The Violets 'Hush Away' single at 'Contact Music': "B-side 'In This Way' could be the missing link between Adam Ant's bondage phase and the second coming of Toyah Willcox as a beetle eating extra in 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here'."

• 'Weird Toyah Mention of the Month' has to be... 'DVD Times' review of the Are You Being Served - The Movie DVD... "However, before one becomes too condescending too soon, it's worth remembering that it was these films which propped up the ailing British film industry, without which the likes of Derek Jarman might never have been able to offer us the edifying spectacle of Toyah Willcox castrating a member of