Take it or Leave it - The Madness Film with Q&A

Classic Cinema - Take it or Leave it - The Madness film - Q&A (1981, re-released 2nd October 2026) 12A, 87 minutes

Take It Or Leave It, originally released in 1981, is a highly entertaining and nostalgic account of how Madness became one of Britain’s most successful and enduring bands. Members of the group play themselves in this autobiographical story, charting their journey from humble beginnings as pub band The Invaders to chart success and their first overseas tour.

The film follows the ups and downs of the seven friends who formed the band in late-1970s Camden, including line-up changes, day jobs, rows, laughs and the evolution of their distinctive ska-pop ‘Nutty Sound’. It features early hits including ‘The Prince’, ‘One Step Beyond’, ‘Baggy Trousers’ and ‘Night Boat to Cairo’.

Produced and directed by Stiff Records’ Dave Robinson, the film was based on real events, with no written script or conventional acting. Dialogue was improvised, creating an honest and authentic portrait of the band’s rise to fame. ​ Plus a Q&A with music biographer Richard Balls