THE voice is still the same, instantly recognisable and slightly sibilant.
The laugh is gutsy and the opinions readily shared. After more than three decades of highly respected performing, Toyah Wilcox is at ease with herself and the world around her and her place in it.
This means she can have fun when she wants - and there are few more raucously entertaining shows around than the rock music phenomenon Vampires Rock.
Set in New York in the year 2030, the undead are among us and livelier than ever, none more so than in the club Live and Let Die, where aspiring singer Pandora, played by Emily Clark, arrives to audition for the resident vocalist position.
Little does she know, that the only job on offer is to be the eternal bride of evil Baron Von Rockula, performed with sneering panache by the show's creator Steve Steinman.
But trouble stalks the club in the form of the Devil Queen - played by Toyah - Von Rockula's 2,000-year-old wife who has no intention of losing her spouse to some nightclub floozie.
The show is played out to a host of classic rock, played live by the Baron's hand picked band, The Lost Boys. There is also a hint of comedy, as the Baron and his sidekick, Stringfellow attempt to convince Pandora to lose her soul to rock and roll while the Devil Queen thwarts their every move.
With songs made famous by the likes of AC/DC, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Bon Jovi, Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, Suzi Quatro, Queen and many more, Vampires Rock will have you dancing in the aisles - or on your knees with your air guitar above your head.
"It is a fabulous show," said Toyah. "We are taking it round the country in a series of one-night stands at different venues. We are the largest show to tour doing one-night visits. There is a full rock band, dancers, a massive stage set and when we travel we have two arctic lorries and a huge rig for all our gear.
"We haven't cut any corners and have the best production values. It is like Spinal tap with teeth!" she laughed. "The only difference is that people are laughing with us - not at us."
She added: "Anyone who loves classic rock, high-energy rock, will love this show. And the costumes are great - mine are totally out there. They're statement pieces."
She added: "It's a loud show and a funny show. Anyone who loves rock music will love the show, whatever age they are."
In a career spanning over 30 years, Toyah has had 13 top 40 singles, recorded 20 albums, written two books, appeared in over 40 stage plays, made 10 feature films and presented hundreds of television programmes from The Good Sex Guide Late to Songs Of Praise.
Vampires Rock is at the Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth, on Saturday, October 11, at 8pm. Tickets cost £22.50 and £19.50. Call 0844 576 3000 for full details and to book your seats.
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