Next month, you can catch a special preview of Broken English, the new film looking at the life and career of Marianne Faithfull over at the Barbican. And to make the occasion extra special, a sparkling host of guests have been invited to perform her songs to honour the late singer.
On Wednesday, March 18, a ticket to screening at the Barbican will mean you catch Jarvis Cocker, Beth Orton, Anna Calvi and Rufus Wainwright all performing songs by Marianne Faithfull, who passed away just over a year ago. Actor Samantha Morton will also read a poem from Marianne Faithfull’s album, She Walks In Beauty.
The group of singers will cover the songs of Faithfull, each backed by an all-star group that’s acting as the film’s house band, made up of Rob Ellis, (who has worked with PJ Harvey), singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt, Adrian Utley of Portishead, Colin Greenwood of Radiohead, and violinist Anna Phoebe.
Prior to the performances, you’ll get to watch the screening of Broken English ahead of its release two days after this event. It’s a look at her 60-year+ strong career, the icons that inspired her and how she with a cast including Tilda Swinton and George MacKay. It’s been described as a “a genre-defying portrait of resilience and rebellion, a final fearless declaration, Marianna Faithfull’s defiant swan song”.
In the film, you’ll see both Marianne Faithfull’s last piece of recorded output, as well as contributions from her friends and collaborators such as Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Courtney Love, Suki Waterhouse, Beth Orton, and Jehnny Beth.
On the evening, the screening begins at 7pm, with a 40-minute set from the moving cast of performers with the band taking place afterwards.
You can still grab tickets to the screening at performances now, which takes place at the Barbican from 6:30pm on Wednesday, March 18. Head to the Barbican website to find out more.