Singer, actor, writer, children's TV favourite, presenter, reality television star - there is no doubt that Toyah Willcox has enjoyed a successful and diverse career. 

And after 30 years in showbiz, there is no sign of the mutli-talented Toyah slowing down, as she prepares to embark on a series of English Heritage Picnic Concerts with other famous faces from the 1980's, which will be arriving at Battle Abbey later this summer. 

The 80's icon said: "I have the same commitment for everything I do and the fact I'm a 49-year-old woman who is still incredibly successful in business is amazing. 

"I'm still on stage, I have got bookings around the world, I'm making two albums and of that I'm very proud. 

"The fact is most people hit 30 and think it's over." 

Since 1977, Toyah has enjoyed huge success as a singer, both as a solo artist and with numerous bands. She has also appeared in a number of films including Quadrophenia and Jubilee, as well as alongside Katherine Hepburn in The Corn Is Green. And her theatre credits include Midsummer Night's Dream, Peter Pan, Sally Bowles in the West End revival of Cabaret and the starring role in the critically acclaimed Calamity Jane. 

But despite all these roles and numerous others, Toyah still feels she can achieve more in her acting career. She said: "There's been lots of acting, although I feel my acting career has yet to happen. 

"Although I have done lots, I still feel there's loads I want to do." 

Toyah is currently writing several dramas, with one featuring a character she would personally love to play. 

"There's character I am creating for a TV series at the moment and she is an ex-alcoholic psychic and she's also psychotic!" she laughs. "I love the idea of someone with all this power and can't handle it." 

On top of the music and acting, Toyah has won over a new generation of fans, thanks to her appearance on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and voicing the introduction on kids TV show The Teletubbies. Toyah has many fond memories of Battle after recording her second album, The Blue Meaning, in the town. 

And in 1983 she visited Hastings for the filming of the straight-to-video movie Murder - Ultimate Grounds for Divorce, alongside Roger Daltrey and Toyah's Quadrophenia co-star Leslie Ash. 

She is looking forward to returning to 1066 country for Party! at Battle Abbey on Saturday August 25, appearing alongside Bananarama, Belinda Carlisle, Midge Ure, T'Pau and Nick Heyward. 

Toyah said: "I love these concerts. They're an absolute delight and it's pure nostalgia." 

Speaking about her fellow performers, Toyah added: "We are all such good friends and we all work together a lot and I have to say I adore all of them because they have written such classics. 

"I adore their music, especially Belinda Carlisle's, so I'm going to be having great fun." 

• Tickets for Party!, on Saturday August 25, starting at 7.30pm, cost £29 (concessions £27).Tickets for the Last Night of the Battle Abbey Proms, starring Lesley Garrett, on Sunday August 26, starting at 7.30pm, cost £24 (concessions £22). 

For tickets, call See on 0870 890 0146 or Ticketmaster on 0870 333 6206. 
Alternatively, visit www.picnicconcerts.com 
 

Bexhill Observer
23rd May 2007