David Bowie watching Marianne Faithfull at Palace Theatre

A Watford Observer photographer was in attendance as David Bowie was interviewed after arriving at the Clarendon Road venue on December 2, 1973.

It is not immediately apparent from our photographer’s diary why one of Britain’s most influential artists was at the theatre – the assignment is listed simply as ‘David Bowie at Palace’ – but a few days before a snapper had also been at the Palace for a photo call for a new production starring Marianne Faithfull.

Marianne Faithfull appearing in 'A Patriot For Me' at the Palace Theatre in 1973 (Image: Watford Observer)

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The singer-songwriter and actress was playing Countess Sophia Delyanoff in the John Osborne play, 'A Patriot For Me', less than two months after she had performed a rendition of the Sonny and Cher classic ‘I Got You Babe’ in a duet with Bowie.

David Bowie had performed a significant duet with Marianne Faithfull a couple of months previously (Image: Watford Observer)

It was recorded at the famous Marquee Club for American television and is particularly significant because it was Bowie’s final performance as his alien alter-ego Ziggy Stardust.

Marianne Faithfull performed with Michael Byrne in the production (Image: Watford Observer)

Our snapper was at the photo call for the play at the end of November (Image: Watford Observer)