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UK Premiere: Big Mama Thornton: I Can't Be Anyone But Me (15) + Live Zoom Q&A

Doc'n Roll Film Festival 2025

,Cinema 1
Doc'n Roll Big Mama Thornton

Robert Clem’s latest film dives into the culture and history of Alabama and the Deep South, spotlighting Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton as a true blues icon and one of the genre’s greatest voices.

Willie Mae 'Big Mama' Thornton was a blues powerhouse who shook American music to its core. Towering in voice and presence, she made 'Hound Dog' a number one hit before Elvis ever sang it, and her ferocious 'Ball & Chain' launched Janis Joplin’s career.

Defying gender norms in jeans, boots, and cowboy hat, Big Mama captivated audiences with raw energy, humour, and soul. From Alabama juke joints to European festivals, she lived hard, sang harder, and left an indelible mark on rock, R&B, and the blues.

Tagged with: Cinema ScreenTalks Doc' n Roll Film Festival 2025
Film information
  • Release year   2025
  • Country   USA
  • Director   Robert Clem
  • Runtime   1hr 28min

Ticket prices

Standard
£16 *
* Excludes £1.50 booking fee

Booking fees

£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.

No fee when tickets are booked in person.

Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.

Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.