EDINBURGH 2014 - BWW Reviews: THE ONLY WAY IS DOWNTON, Pleasance Courtyard, August 3 2014
I don't think I've ever seen a show quite like The Only Way Is Downton. Using Downton Abbey as the basis for the performance, Luke Kempner performs an original script featuring over 30 characters from television.
Downton Abbey is in financial difficulty and a host of characters are called upon to try and save it from ruin. Switching seamlessly between impressions it is difficult to believe that there is only one person onstage. With keen observational skills and excellent wit, Kempner begins to involve characters from The X Factor and Great British Bake Off.
It isn't just his skill for impressions that makes this piece so impressive. The script is excellent and the storyline really flows. The programmes begin to cross paths and we see someone from Downton taking part in Wimbledon alongside Andy Murray - which seemed to raise the most laughs as the impression of Murray was spot on.
Another highlight for me was the concept that they should turn Downton into a musical which prompted the song "You Can Turn Anything Into A Musical". Packed with references to West End shows and genuinely very catchy- I'm now fairly convinced that Downton Abbey: The Musical could be a possibility in the future.
A couple of the references were from programmes that I am unfamiliar with, but the content in the script allows for them to be funny and entertaining even if you don't know the show.
The Only Way Is Downton runs at Pleasance Courtyard until August 25th.
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