The Only Way Is Downton is a one man show following the lives of the popular Downton Abbey TV show characters. Performer Luke Kempner made his name with the YouTube hit Downstairs at Downton, and appearances in musicals including Les Mis and Avenue Q. Kempner’s debut solo show won critical acclaim and sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Downton Abbey is in a money crisis and needs to come up with some money fast. As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody, which takes in many other popular TV shows and familiar modern voices to help the cast of Downton save the estate from financial ruin – again!
Luke does a terrific job at keeping the audience entertained and the atmosphere alive throughout the show but some impressions fell short. I’m not the biggest lover of Downton Abbey but I was told that you didn’t need to be to enjoy this one man show. Unfortunately I’ve found out that you do need to be a big supporter to follow it all.
We see the characters try desperate measures to secure extra money, with them going on tv shows including the Great British Bake Off and entering into Wimbledon. The plot line was very engaging and some familiar characters came through.
My personal favourites from the night were John Bishop and Rylan Clark which were both the spitting image of their counterparts.
If you love impressions, comedy and Downton Abbey, then this is the show for you.
Reviewed by Jamie Chapman-Dixon
The Only Way Is Downton plays at Trafalgar studios 2 until 22 February 2014. Click here for tickets.
Read my recent interview with Luke Kempner here