Rock icon Marianne Faithfull's six-decade journey through music, fame and reinvention unfolds in an intimate documentary. Broken English is a genre-defying act of resilience and rebellion – Marianne Faithfull’s final fearless declaration, her defiant swan song.
A lightning rod for fame, scandal and reinvention, Marianne Faithfull was the face of a generation, and the voice that cut through it. Vilified by the press and underestimated by the industry, she endured heartbreak and addiction. This survivor, provocateur and true creative original spent more than six decades defying expectations – releasing over 35 albums while constantly reinventing herself and being an influential force on multiple other artists.
Made with her full involvement, Broken English is an intimate and unflinching exploration of a fractured yet unbreakable life shaped by fame, creativity and relentless public scrutiny. As much a wondrous ode to Marianne’s life as it is a reminder of the vital importance of creative culture, our collective heritage and the equal importance not forgetting it.
The layered structure on which Broken English rests is the fictional Ministry of Not Forgetting (led by Tilda Swinton and her trusty interviewer George MacKay), who take Marianne on a journey into a rich and event-filled past. Images, clips and interviews are interspersed with musical responses by Beth Orton, Courtney Love and Nick Cave. Triumphantly defying categorisation, filmmakers Jane Pollard and Iain Forsyth expertly rewire the documentary genre with their most ambitious film to date.
Getting Here and Getting In:
Parking at UWA is free after 5pm. We recommend car parks 1 and 5: check this map.
Allow time for parking: UWA hosts many events and sometimes it takes a little longer to find a space.
Doors open at 6pm. In 2026 the box office will be cashless.
Food and Drink
The pay-bar offers wines, beers, soft and hot drinks, along with chips, chocolate and, importantly, ice creams!
The Somerville Auditorium is also a BYO venue: bring your own picnic and favourite tipple.
We have many picnic tables and grassed areas.
Pre-ordering your gourmet pizza is crucial: order here.
Enjoying your film
The film starts at 8pm until 1 March 2026. From 2 March 2026 the film starts at 7.30pm.
Cushions courtesy of Lotterywest are available.
Seats are not assigned: on your arrival you can reserve a seat with a rug or cushion. Please don't leave single seat gaps.
We have plenty of seating, please do not bring your own.
There are four locations suitable for wheelchair users - please speak to a staff member on your arrival.
Nights can soemtimes be cool, so please rug up.
We treat the Auditorium for mosquitoes, but still bring your preferred mozzie spray.
Lost Property
If you've lost something during your night out, you can report it here.
Visit Perth Festival's website for more information.