Toyah Willcox has been a part of the British cultural landscape for so long she must count as a national treasure by now. She starred in the classic film Quadrophenia and moved on from that to become a successful recording artist. From being a somewhat subversive, anti-establishment punk figure in the 70s and 80s, she seamlessly segued into a mainstream TV star and theatre actress.

Her career even rose to the dizzy peaks of voiceover for cult kids' TV show, the Teletubbies.

Reminiscin' found Toyah, in a characteristically upbeat mood about life and work, and looking to the future.

What was it about punk that attracted you?
I suppose every generation needs its voice. Punk came at a time when Disco was really taking off and people like the Bee Gees were around; bands I really like now, but I remember when I was a teenager they weren't my kind of thing. A generation needed a voice and it was also a generation that was in danger of completely having no identity whatsoever -Punk just accepted everyone and gave everyone a voice that was worth listening to.

What was your upbringing like that led you to lead such an amazing life do you think?
I don't know, I was brought up in Birmingham and I had a very strict upbringing. I think Punk gave me the confidence to be myself. I don't know about upbringing- I don't have children, if I did have children then I might see that happen to them. I wanted to be in show business, I loved music and I think Punk gave me somewhere where I belonged, therefore gave me the confidence to kinda get out of Birmingham and move to London and start becoming myself, I suppose.

What is it that drives you and keeps you going in this industry?
I love the industry - it's the only thing I have ever known. I have been working in it since I was 18; for about 30 years. I feel I know the industry very well and I just feel it is where I belong. I have never doubted that and that is probably why I am still here.

What's been your favourite acting job?
I love all acting work. I just enjoy the whole cultural thing about acting. I especially like working on camera. I love working on film sets, especially if I am on location. It is exciting like being in a travelling circus - everyone has a role to play.

What was Quadrophenia like to work on?
It was really good fun. I was very young, I was only 20 at the time and it was a fantastic experience. I never realized it would go on to be one of the biggest cult movies ever made, but making it was an absolute adventure. At one point shooting the riot scene I think there were 5000 of us involved so it was pretty epic.

It's an iconic film, do you feel like you've been part of iconic episodes in British culture?
But you had no idea at the time. We still had no idea we were making something that would have so much longevity. We were just kids all of us trying to get a recording deal, we were trying to get the next job even when we were making Quadrophenia. It was all about the future, but we still had no idea that in 30 years time this film would be just as relevant, if not more so then when we were actually making it.

You haven't done a film since 1999 - any plans for more acting?
I have about 10 scripts in front of me. I get about 10 a week, you just never know what is gonna be happening or what isn't gonna be happening. That is just the nature of the business. Its not as if I haven't been busy in the mean time, I toured Calamity Jane for over a year and a half, plus have been on the road with the band.

You had some amazing videos, where did the concepts come from?
Normally, when you make a rock video the director pitches an idea; you don't necessarily go with that. Most of the ideas were mine and I have always felt videos were a fantastic opportunity to do something you would never do at any other time. I must admit I have never been one for making videos when you are in a lounge sitting around with beautiful people-it's not my style. I always thought videos were a chance of doing something that was exceptional that no one would ever see you doing again.

You've had an amazing career, did you ever think it would end up the way it did?
I would say I really don't know. If you plan something so rigidly you can't develop you can't move on. But for women it is a very different industry and what you have got to bear in mind is that the music industry is very rarely interested in women over the age of 30. Madonna makes millions and sells millions of tickets, but the only thing I read about her is younger women saying she is old and should be retiring. If women are writing that about women, what chance has anyone got? As an actress it is so difficult to get such functional roles over the age of 40 with the exception of Helen Mirren and Judi Dench but there are millions of actresses out there that are talented. If women like me aren't involved then everything will be just cliché.

What are you most proud of?
I live very much that I am in the present moment. I don't sit at my desk and reflect so much. I think I am very proud that I am still around.

What is your greatest love?
I think acting, I love acting. That will always be with me, but I am still incredibly happy at the age of 48 to be on the road with a band.

What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about everything I do, but one has to be realistic. I never expected to be still singing when I was 48, but I am and I think my voice has never been better. I think once I hit my 50s, 60s and 70s acting is what I am gonna be doing.

Where's your favourite place for holidaying?
I really love everywhere I go with my work. Holidays I don't really manage. My last holiday was in 2000 and that was in the Maldives. I think I like countries that have really old cultures. I once was taken to the Mayan Ruins and that was just astonishing it was just fantastic to be standing somewhere that was at least 6000 years old, I really get a thrill from that.

What has been the inspiration for your hairstyles & outfits?
Tribal, I love Masai warriors and I also love Japanese Kabuki theatre. Most of my ideas were taken from very old tribal cultures.

You're looking great. What's your health and lifestyle like?
My work keeps me fit. I am running around everyday all day and most of the nights as well. I don't actually have a gym regime I don't have time because I travel so much. Diet wise, I am very diet conscious and I don't want to be next to anyone who has a cigarette in their hand. I mainly have a vegetarian diet. I think most people my age are health conscious.

What would you like most to be remembered for?
Oooooh, that's a difficult one. I am not quite ready to answer that. I always believe in positive thinking. I think you have got to get up each day and think about what you have and not what you don't have. For me, positive thinking is an absolute must and I hope that I can prove that it makes your life better.

Related Links:-
> www.toyahwillcox.com/
> Toyah Willcox CD - Amazon.co.uk