Comic Take on Downton Comes to Opera House
The success of British period series "Downton Abbey" is an unanticipated boon for another Brit – comic actor Luke Kempner.
In "America’s Got Downton," the actor and impressionist presents a comedic interpretation of characters’ efforts to raise funds to save the fictional Yorkshire country estate. "It’s a really silly show," said Kempner.
The lone actor onstage at the Opera House, on April 29 Kempner will switch instantaneously from cook to earl, maid to aristocrat, but he won’t stop there, inviting in various celebrity visitors. After all, don’t Russell Brand and Rickey Gervais deserve to be part of "Downton Abbey?" Kempner thinks so and, apparently, so do the audiences. Reaction from across Britain has been positive, as well as other locations where Kempner has performed.
Now he’s bringing the show to the U.S., where the BBC series has become mustwatch TV for American audiences.
Kempner says he believes one reason for the show’s success is the archetypal characters, which is another reason he took on the project. "I like big characters," he said.
Among his favorites: Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, dowager countess of Grantham.
Another is someone he believes belongs on the show, so he puts him there himself: volatile celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The real "Downton Abbey" has nearly 30 regulars and upwards of 100 characters, including recurring roles and guest stars. Add the celebrity cameos and the question becomes: how does Kempner keep them all straight? Aren’t there times when he’s acting as one character, while accidentally using the voice of another?
Kempner admits this happens sometimes, but such mistakes provoke laughter, as well. "I just always think ahead," he said.
"I talk like Mr. Carson, then talk like [tennis pro] Andy Murray." And if he continues talking like Mr. Carson while in the role of Murray or Lady Crawley or one of the other characters, so much the better for the humor quotient.
He occasionally breaks the fourth wall, allowing himself to engage directly with the audience. "I laugh if I find it funny. We’re all going together on this journey," he says.
How would the volatile Ramsay of "Hell’s Kitchen" and "Kitchen Nightmares" fare among the uptight staff of Downton Abbey? Rather than get into a row with head cook Mrs. Patmore, Kempner imagines their relationship would become a bit provocative and flirtatious. "It’s so fun to play with the characters," he said.
Part of the appeal is the show’s non-stop action as Kempner effortlessly segues from one character to another. "It never stops. It’s quite exciting," Kempner said.
Kempner believes that being a fan of the television show isn’t required to enjoy his skewed take on it. "When I went to Moscow, 90 percent of the audience didn’t know "˜Downton Abbey,’" said Kempner.
With a background in musical theatre and comedy, one could say Kempner has spent his life preparing for these roles.
"I did impressions at school at 18. I always wanted to perform," said the actor who had roles in such musicals as "Avenue Q" and "Les Miserables."
Now he’s off to the dales and moors of Yorkshire with the strait-laced cast, plus their new celebrity friends. So, what if characters from "Downton Abbey" became contestants on "Dancing with the Stars?" Is that so hard to imagine?
Maybe it is, but Kempner doesn’t care. "I like to see worlds collide," he said.
Kempner performs "America’s Got Downton" at the City Opera House April 29. For tickets and more information, visit CityOperaHouse.org.
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