When you think of true British originals, few names sparkle quite like Toyah Willcox. Singer, actress, writer, and performer, Toyah has been at the forefront of popular culture for more than four decades. On Saturday 1st November, she brings her remarkable story to life in Wareham with An Evening of Words and Songs at the Purbeck School, presented by Love It Local Events.
This unique show promises more than just music. It’s a chance to hear the stories behind the songs, to relive the extraordinary highs and surprising twists of Toyah’s career, and to see for yourself why she remains one of Britain’s most fearless and much-loved entertainers.
Punk rebel to chart star
Toyah’s journey began as a determined teenager in Birmingham. By the age of 14, she had already earned a reputation as a “renowned troublemaker,” sneaking into music venues and watching the likes of Black Sabbath, Hawkwind and Uriah Heep. That fearless spirit soon propelled her onto the stage herself.
Her distinctive voice, striking look, and refusal to conform made her a perfect fit for the burgeoning punk scene. She quickly became one of its brightest stars, fronting her band Toyah and releasing a string of albums that captured the restless energy of the era. In 1981, her single It’s A Mystery became a Top 10 hit, turning her into a household name and cementing her place in British pop history.
Stage and screen
But Toyah was never one to be confined to one genre or medium. “In my 48-year career I’ve moved through four genres,” she says, “from punk rock singer, to new wave singer, a West End musical singer and now a rock artist today.”
Her acting credits are as impressive as her music career. She starred in Derek Jarman’s Jubilee and the cult classic Quadrophenia, landing the latter role through sheer persistence and self-belief. “Not once did it occur to me that I may not be right for the movie,” she reflects. “I just set about making it happen, with no fear of rejection whatsoever.”
From theatre roles in London’s West End to presenting and voice work, Toyah’s talents have touched every corner of the entertainment industry. Famously, her voice opened and closed every episode of Teletubbies, making her one of the most recognisable — and, for a time, most mobbed — figures among five-year-olds.
Royal encounters, rock legends & Strictly!
Toyah’s stories are as colourful as her career. There were surreal encounters with Prince Philip, who would summon her to St James’s Palace to speak to thousands of teenagers while he slipped away to go shooting, and warm memories of Princess Diana, who confided her hopes for her sons’ future.
There were also brushes with rock legends — and she married one. Her husband, Robert Fripp, is the celebrated guitarist and founder of King Crimson, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie and Peter Gabriel. Together, during lockdown, they aunched their quirky and wildly popular Sunday Lunch videos, which exploded from 100,000 views to over 144 million, bringing joy to fans around the world.
And then there was Strictly Come Dancing. While critics may have described her as “the pensioner who danced badly,” Toyah disagrees with characteristic defiance: “Bollocks to that — I thought I danced really well!”
Still rocking, still surprising
Far from slowing down, Toyah is enjoying one of the busiest and most successful periods of her career. In the past three years alone, she has achieved four Top 30 albums, topped the vinyl charts multiple times, and performed at festivals including Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight Festival. She continues to tour extensively, sharing the stage with artists like Adam Ant and filling arenas such as Wembley.
But for all the glitz and scale of those performances, Toyah remains most passionate about connecting with people in a more personal way. That’s what makes her upcoming evening in Wareham so special.
An evening to remember
‘An Evening of Words and Songs’ offers audiences a chance to get closer to Toyah than ever before. Expect a night of music, storytelling, laughter, and honesty, as she revisits her extraordinary journey in her own inimitable style. From mischievous childhood adventures to career-defining moments, from viral fame to reflections on life today, Toyah will hold nothing back.
And, of course, the evening will also include live performances of her much-loved songs.
This is a rare opportunity to spend an evening with one of Britain’s true originals — a woman who has never stopped challenging expectations and who continues to inspire with her energy, humour, and sheer love of performance.
