
Be transported back to the streets of 90s North London with a Caribbean dancehall drama widely considered to be the first Black British musical.
Shot on location in Harlesden, North London, Anita (Anjela Lauren Smith) is a young mother who dreams of becoming a dancehall star. Living on a council estate and raising two children alone means that money is tight, but she has all the talent and ambition she needs to make it big – plus the support of her two best friends with whom she forms her vocal group, Sharon (Caroline Chikezie) and Yvette (Jocelyn Esien).
The rhythms of London’s reggae scene are woven through Julien Henriques’ stylish and pioneering film, featuring bold and energetic musical numbers that speak to the legacy of dancehall culture in the capital. Alongside some iconic 90s fashion, all represented in hyper-saturated colours, it’s easy to see how the film earned its place in the British Film Institute’s list of the ‘Top 10 great Black British films’.
Release year: 1998
Country: UK
Director: Julian Henriques
Runtime: 1 hr 32 min
Ticket prices
£12 (Limited availability)
£10
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.
Our Food Market
We have a range of meals, desserts and cinema snacks available at our Food Market, or grab a drink from our Conservatory Bar.
Conservatory Bar: beer, wine and soft drinks are available to be enjoyed in our luscious urban jungle🍹
Cinema snacks: nachos and popcorn (because it just wouldn't be a movie night without popcorn) 🍿
Food stalls:
Copper Rattle: Delicious gourmet hot dogs 🌭
KHAYO: Syrian & Middle Eastern Comfort Food🥘
Kichiya Pastries: Japanese desserts & Dorayaki Matcha Ice cream 🍡
Event Information
Information might change closer to the events taking place, so it’s worth double checking nearer the time, and we’ll be in touch with the most important information before your screening.
Coming to the screening
We can't wait to welcome you to this year's Outdoor Cinema! It’s first come, first served regarding seating – you can claim your seats up to an hour before the screening. The seats are padded but you’re welcome to bring your own cushion if you prefer to be extra comfy.
We can’t provide blankets, but we advise you to bring one along, as well as a jacket or coat and anything else you’d like to have with you after sundown, as it’ll get chilly.
You’ll be given a pair of headphones to listen to the film through; there won’t be any speakers outside. You’ll collect these on arrival and hand them in on the way back. The headphones are not waterproof so please keep them covered if the rain starts.
Please don’t bring large bags or lots of stuff with you, as there’s no cloakroom available.
Come in up to 15 minutes after the advertised start time. Staff members are there to help you find an available seat. If you arrive late, you’ll be missing the film – we’re punctual!
You’re more than welcome to take pictures of the screening area until the film begins, but after that, please don’t take photo or video once the film has started - the same piracy rules apply as they would for an indoor cinema. Also, please respect the privacy of our residents and your fellow audience members.
Food and drink
Food and drink is available to purchase on site. Only drink purchased on site can be consumed at the Outdoor Cinema. Glass bottles aren’t allowed for the safety of you and fellow audience members.
Access
Outdoor Cinema is wheelchair accessible: there is a ramp leading to the screening area. Please let us know in advance if you need assistance by emailing us at [email protected]. We have accessible screenings in the programme, please see below which are Captioned and come with AD. All our Accessible Events can be found here too.
Assistance dogs are welcomed (but no pets, sorry!)
If there’s rain
We’re at the mercy of the British summer. If the forecast looks like rain, we recommend you bring waterproof clothing. We can provide biodegradable ponchos if you’ve forgotten your own! We’d ask you not to bring umbrellas though; we’ll cancel and refund if the rain continues.
If the weather is deemed to be extreme or unsafe, you’ll receive an email from us with an update on the event.
Finding the Sculpture Court
Just arrive through our main entrance and the Sculpture Court is up on level 3, just outside the Art Gallery. If you’re unfamiliar with our venue, don’t worry – we’ll provide directions on how to get here nearer the time.
Noise
Finally, we’d ask you to remember that the Outdoor Cinema is in a residential area, so we’d kindly ask you to be as quiet as possible when you’re leaving, and try to refrain from singing along (as catchy as some songs are).
Sculpture Court
Location
The Sculpture Court is an outside space in the Barbican Estate and is accessible from Level 3, if coming from inside the Barbican building, or via the highwalks and Frobisher Crescent from outside.
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.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus