Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Due to overwhelming demand David Mirvish is delighted to add an additional week of performances to the Canadian premiere of UPSIDE DOWNTON, the hilarious one-man parody of the beloved TV series, Downton Abbey. Luke Kempner’s tour-de-force comedy comes to Toronto for a strictly limited three-week engagement, September 30 - October 18, at the Panasonic Theatre. (The media night is Thursday October 1st, at 8:00 PM).
UPSIDE DOWNTON is written and performed by Luke Kempner and directed by Owen Lewis. It is essential viewing ahead of the final series of the TV series.
In UPSIDE DOWNTON, the estate is on the brink of financial ruin – yes, again! To complicate matters, a wedding is announced – yes, again! This will only mean more expense, money that the Earl of Grantham just doesn't have. Celebrities, cultures and eras hilariously crash and collide in ways that are totally unexpected, as the staff of the Abbey decides to do all they can to raise funds to save the estate.
Luke Kempner is known as the man of a thousand voices. His impressions of celebrities are spot on, and his satirical take on them adds another dimension. When Downton Abbey first became a popular sensation, Luke made a YouTube video in which he portrayed 12 of the show's main characters. It became a massive hit and led to producer James Seabright commissioning Luke to create a stage show based on his impressions. Originally called The Only Way is Downton, it premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it sold out and won accolades from the critics. The show was further developed, opened in London and then went on a UK tour, all to great success.
Luke is a graduate of the Guildford School of Acting and is also a trained classical singer and dancer. He has starred in the stage musicals Les Miserables and Avenue Q. He is one of the stars of the BBC3 comedy series Murder in Successville.
★★★★ "Remarkable, tour-de-force one-man show."
London Daily Telegraph
★★★★ "A tightly written and performed mash-up of the saga with modern TV hit. An affectionate spoof."
Independent on Sunday UK
★★★★★ "A sheer joy… the capacity audience loved every minute."
British Theatre Guide
"The energizer bunny of impressionists."
The Huffington Post
"Lovely spoof... spot-on."
Radio Times
"Kempner IS every major character... stunning!"
Digital Spy
"A fine impressionist, giving a splendid display of Downtonry."
Stephen Fry
"Really good impressions of everybody."
Elizabeth McGovern (Lady Cora)
UPSIDE DOWNTON
September 30 - October 18
Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge Street,
Toronto
Performance Schedule:
Tuesdays - Saturday at 8:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
Added Sunday evening on October 4, at 7:00 PM.
Added Wednesday matinees on October 7 & 14, at 2:00 PM
No Tuesday evening performance on October 13
Tickets: $25 - $79
Special Events:
•At all matinees, there will be a complimentary "Afternoon Tea" of scones and tea served 30 minutes before the show.
• The Sunday, October 4 evening show will include a "Fancy Dress Party". Audience members are encouraged to dress in the costume of their favourite Downtown character. Luke Kempner will choose the best costume and the winner will receive Air Canada airfare for two to London, UK.
Ticketking 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333
Online Ticket Sales: www.mirvish.com
Groups of 12 or more 416-593-4142
Twitter @mirvishFacebook: Mirvish Productions
Photo: Luke Kempner.
2015-08-11
Toronto: "Upside Downton" extended to October 18 due to popular demand