Back to the Big Screen

"I’m delighted that Skyfall will feature as part of the Mayor’s Back to the Big Screen campaign. Films are made to be seen on the big screen and there’s nothing like the buzz you get from watching as part of an audience."

Naomie Harris

"I really support this initiative by the Mayor of London. Cinemas have been struggling and are at the core of London’s culture."

Robbie Coltrane

"I fully support this initiative by the mayor of London. Cinemas have been struggling through this pandemic, they are a vital part of London’s culture and need our support."

Timothy Spall OBE

"Good for the Mayor of London! Films are our lifeblood, and keeping our cinemas alive and vibrant is essential for all of us!”

Mike Leigh

"I’m supporting the Mayor of London’s initiative to get people back into the capital’s world class cinemas. The pandemic has hit this integral part of London’s cultural heart, hard. It’s time to fill these spaces again and feel the thrill and magic of theatrical cinema."

Simon Pegg

“I’m really delighted to hear about this movie plan by the Mayor of London. Many of my happiest memories in London are to do with going to the cinema and then going on to enjoy all the other wonders of the city."

Richard Curtis

"The cinemas and the theatre have suffered so badly during the last year or so, that I wholeheartedly support the Mayor of London in encouraging everyone to get back to enjoying the arts."

Dame Judi Dench

“The ultimate cinematic experience is seeing a film projected on a big screen in the presence of a live audience as they were meant to be. For movie lovers around the world there is no greater goal at this moment in time than getting back to the big screen.”

Mark Hamill

“Rocks was made collaboratively in a way that centres the young people and communities at the heart of the film. It is a love letter to London, particularly the parts of our city we don’t often get to see on screen. We are so excited that our film will be blown up on the big screen in the centre of our city for all to see. We hope that those who see the film can share in Rocks’ story, and we can’t wait to experience it together in Trafalgar Square. It feels like a really special screening, especially after the year we’ve all had.”

The team behind Rocks

"Selecting the films which will inspire, move, thrill and delight audiences at the heart of London and on a spectacularly Big Screen is a real privilege and joy for the Barbican.

The Mayor of London’s initiative brings together the essence of the power of cinema we believe in - bringing people together to be engrossed and carried away by stories and worlds that capture our imagination, identify, and be inspired by characters and perspectives that come to life on the big screen and widen our own world, be it that mischievous Paddington Bear, Rock’s charismatic feisty girls from East London, Gurinder Chadha’s rebellious girl footballer, or the iconic Mary Poppins.

These free screenings are a brilliant way to celebrate London’s vibrant culture and diversity as we finally open our beloved cinema venues to audiences across the city, showcasing the rich film cultures from across the globe."

Gali Gold, Barbican Head of Cinema

"I really support this initiative by the Mayor of London. Cinemas have been struggling and are at the core of London’s culture."

Joanna Lumley OBE

Rocks (2019) 12A

Doors open: 17:30

Film screening starts: 19:45

Skyfall (2012) 12A

Doors open: 17:30

Film screening starts: 19:00

Matinee: Mary Poppins sing-along (1964) U

Doors open: 12:45pm

Film screening starts: 14:15

Star Wars IV: A New Hope (1977) U

Doors open: 18:00

Film screening starts: 19:30

Matinee: Paddington 2 (2017) PG

Doors open: 12:45pm

Film screening starts: 14:15

Bend It Like Beckham (2002) 12A

Doors open: 18:00

Film screening starts: 19:30