Queen of punk Toyah Wilcox has become queen of the vampires for her latest musical venture. But although the show is all about the undead, Toyah, who has been in the limelight for three decades, said: "I love life – it's very eclectic but always seems to fall into place."

An accomplished singer, actress, writer and presenter, Toyah's career has been successful and diverse.

In fact, some may say it's been more colourful than punk hair...

Next month, she's starring in Vampires Rock at Buxton Opera House. In the fang-tastic musical set in New York in 2030, Toyah plays the Devil Queen who's married to the charismatic yet demonic Baron Von Rockula.

She'd better watch out though – because he's on the lookout for new blood.

Throughout the highly entertaining and tongue-in-cheek show, there's notable rock anthems by legends including AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Guns 'n' Roses, Meat Loaf and Queen.

Toyah says: "If you like classic rock, you'll love the show.
"There's a stunning band and beautiful dancers – and the stage looks great."

She adds: "I love the audience interaction too. During the tour, it's been fantastic seeing people singing and exchanging banter with us. It's really, really good fun."

Away from Vampires Rock, Toyah's band, The Humans, has released debut album We Are The Humans.

The band, which includes Chris Wong and Bill Rieflin of REM, was formed in 2007 and had considerable success in Estonia.

Now, they're preparing to tour the United Kingdom in 2010.

Of course, 51-year-old Toyah, who was born in Birmingham, first became well-known during the punk era.

In 1981, she had hits with It's A Mystery and I Want To Be Free. A year later, she was voted Best Female Singer at the British Rock and Pop Awards, now the BRITs.

Looking back at the punk era, Toyah has fond memories.

She recalls: "For the first time, I saw the human race embrace everyone
and everything. All was equal. It was remarkable."

In total, Toyah's recorded 20 albums and had 13 top 40 singles.

If that wasn't enough, she's made ten feature films, written two books and presented television programmes ranging from Songs of Praise to the Good Sex Guide Late.

She says: "As long as I'm working, I'm happy."

She must be happy all the time then!

So while growing up, did she envisage rocking on the stage?

The answer is out of this world...

"When I was younger, I wanted to be an astronaut," she says. "Even now, I'd love to fly to the Moon and I'd love to be on the first spaceship to go to Mars. But until then, I'm very happy acting and singing."

Buxton Advertiser
November 2009