Following the film ‘Franz’, Jessica Walker’s show Barbara – La Solitude explores the extraordinary life and work of one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the 20th century. Barely known outside of her native France, Barbara was born Monique Serf in Paris in 1930. She first became known for her interpretations of the songs of Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens, before developing her own uniquely intimate style of song-writing and performance. Renowned for the dark and complex emotions she grappled with through song, her biggest number, L’Aigle Noir, sold more than a million copies in a day, and her sudden death in 1997, aged 67, prompted a national outpouring of grief. Singer-writer Jessica Walker and pianist-arranger Joseph Atkins evoke Barbara’s inner conflict and brilliance in this new theatrical homage to a forgotten star.

The performance is followed by a short Q&A between Jessica, Joe and DMA’s Artistic Director, Luke Styles.

Photo: Shay Rowan

A taster of Barbara: