Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack explore female pleasure, shame and fulfilment in this emotionally intimate sex-positive drama.
Nancy (Thompson) is a middle-aged widow and teacher, who has never experienced an orgasm. Finally giving herself permission to explore this area of her life and personality, she calls on sex worker Leo Grande (McCormack). Secure and emotionally intelligent, Leo enjoys his work, in contrast to Nancy, who nervously embarks on unpicking all her hidden baggage, until she develops a better understanding of herself and needs.
Filmed with just these two actors in one location, and with a script by comedian Katy Brand, this is a fun and fearless story that never seeks to tip over into romance and delegitimise pleasure as its primary focus.
UK 2022 Dir Sophie Hyde 97 min
There is audio description available for this title. We provide audio description using the Dolby Screentalk system. The film soundtrack comes through the speakers in the usual way and a recorded narrator explains what is happening on screen through personal headphones. Please ask a member of staff for a set of headphones.
Our Parent and Baby screenings are designed for adults to enjoy the latest film releases with their young babies, in a relaxed atmosphere with gentler lighting and sound. Screenings are suitable for babies of 12 months or under. Up to four adults can accompany a baby, but adults without a baby will not be admitted.
We have plenty of dedicated space for you to park your baby buggy. For health and safety reasons, we cannot allow buggies inside the cinemas.
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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.
Family Activities
Barbican Cinema 3
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech 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
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.