The fully authorised story of James, one of Britain’s most iconic and unlikely bands, told for the first time. Formed in early 80s Manchester, a group of awkward misfits stumbled through a decade of false starts, bad decisions and infamous missteps – joining a cult, turning down the chance to tour with The Smiths and rejecting the legendary Factory Records – before breaking through with Sit Down.

Fuelled by an improvisational and chaotic approach to music, they built a remarkable catalogue over 40 years. Yet success deepened their dysfunction, leading to collapse at the millennium. But fans refused to let them die and after repairing their differences, they reunited in 2007, finding new life, bigger audiences and finally – a number one album. A soulful, wry story of creativity, friendship, spontaneity and embracing the mistakes that shape you.

Following the feature, there will be a special live performance and interview with the band broadcast from Aviva Studios in Manchester. For those fans not able to secure a ticket to the event itself, cinemas will be the only place to catch it!

Live stream of James live in concert: On Monday 17 August, we present a livestream of James live in concert. We will not play any ads or trailers ahead of this livestream. Doors will open at 7.45pm and the screening will begin promptly at 8pm. Subsequent encores will play the livestream at 8pm, with no ads or trailers beforehand.

Director Chris Atkins
Year 2026
Duration 2h 7m
Language English
Cast Tim Booth, Jim Glennie, David Baynton-Power,