Latest news with #JulianFellowes
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Village divided over Downton Abbey tourism boom: Locals where hit show is filmed hit out at visitors with 'brash American accents' - but others admit series has made them a 'small fortune'
Angry villagers have hit out at Downton Abbey fans with 'brash American accents' for invading their rural idyll - while conceding the show has brought in a 'small fortune'. Residents in Bampton in Oxfordshire, used in filming for many of the period drama's scenes both on the small and big screen, have been speaking out about its impact. Some have welcomed the lucrative money from tourists flocking to the place used as an outdoor location standing in for the fictional community of Downton. The franchise was created and written by Julian Fellowes, featuring stars including Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Dame Imelda Staunton and the late Dame Maggie Smith. Others, however, are more critical about being 'over-run' by visitors who 'stand on their drives' and annoy with their noise when turning up to pay tribute to the location. Downton Abbey ran for six series between 2010 and 2015, on ITV in the UK and PBS in the US, and has also been adapted for movies. The third silver screen instalment The Grand Finale scheduled for release this September. The series began filming in Bampton's cobbled streets in 2010 - and soon made the village a magnet for tourists from across the world. The boom in visitors has split the village - with some locals crediting it for generating a 'small fortune' from 'old biddies stuffed with cash' buying merchandise - with the money used to improve local buildings and services. But other residents of the quaint village say they want their 'front drives free from brash American accents'. Busloads of US visitors, fascinated by the historical drama's depiction of early 20th century Britain, often come armed with cameras and selfie sticks to Bampton. They tour sites such St Mary's Church, which hosts weddings, christenings and funerals in the show's fictional village. Sightseers choosing to take a guided tour around Bampton and other Downton Abbey locations can be set back as much as £500 each. One elderly volunteer at Bampton Community Hub, used to depict the Downton Cottage Hospital on screen, has now told how the charity's not-for-profit shop was at one point making £1,000 a day from visitors. It sells a range of Downton goods - including books, snow globes and hats - and has a life-size cut-out of Bonneville, 61, who plays Robert Crawley, 7th Earl of Grantham. The volunteer said: 'It has made us a small fortune. Hundreds of thousands of pounds - we've had thousands and thousands and thousands of visitors.' Its popularity with visitors has helped the community fund reconstruction of its buildings, including the Old Grammar School. And those welcoming the boosts say the Downton effect has helped improve services such as a village library, an exhibition space and a community archive. The volunteer added: 'It is mostly Americans. The elderly ladies helping run the little shop at first didn't know what to do with all the dollars and other foreign currencies that began filling the till. 'It saved our library. It enabled us to restore the interior building. Upstairs we have a social hub - we do events free of charge for the villagers.' Other Bampton locals, however, are more critical of the town's association with the long-running franchise. Fabrizio Manerba, 62, said: 'My friend overheard a tour guide say that Bampton was nothing before Downton Abbey. 'Let me tell you - Bampton was a beautiful, expensive place to live long beforehand.' Mr Manerba described busloads of tourists arriving whatever the weather, adding: 'I live on the main square and they often stand in my driveway - they just go everywhere.' Di O'Brien, 73, described tourists coming 'at all times' with about 10 buses arriving per da at the town's peak popularity, with visitors lingering and posing for photographs. The local Post Office's owner Pankaj Grover, 40, attempted to downplay any tensions, saying: 'If someone comes in and asks me about Downton, I send them to the Community Hub. I'm not a competitor.' Describing his experience of moving to Bampton several months ago, Mr Grover also told of feeling 'surprised by the togetherness the village has'. He added: 'We are all one community,' he said, adding: 'They work for each other here. As the world gets more selfish, it's so surprising to find a village like this.' But across the road, Lynn Shuker, who works at Arthur's Attic antiques, said that while the Community Hub was making 'lots of money', the tourist hordes did less for local shops' fortunes. She said: 'They contribute to the library, but apart from that they don't have enough time. We are better off with individual travellers, with families in cars - not the buses.' And she insisted: 'There's so much more to Bampton than Downton Abbey.' Other locals said they preferred to keep out of the arguments over the show's impact and were more amused by all the fuss being made over the village. Amy Joyce, 33, and Lesley Pearce, 66, admitted to not watching the show and said: 'It's like us going down to London, I suppose - but in London you could go and see Tower Bridge.' Tanya Newland, 54, a resident born and raised in Bampton, meanwhile highlighted how there were opportunities to revel in the glamour of Downton's production sets. She was cast as an extra during the filming of some scenes, recalling: 'I was a villager. I had my hair done in ringlets and had make-up put on. 'I love the elegance behind the show, which I think we have lost in modern society - it was a lovely experience'. Among recent visitors to Bampton has been 65-year-old Kay Frith, 65, from York - almost 200 miles north of the Oxfordshire village. She told of being an avid Downton Abbey fan, with her favourite character being Lady Mary Crawley who is portrayed by Michelle Dockery, 43. Ms Frith said: 'She's feisty but also a bit cool and cold. She builds a wall around herself to protect herself. And she said of the show: 'It's a little bit of escapism, going back to a slower pace of life.' Locals in Bampton are not the only ones affected by visitors inspired by TV series and films such as the Downton Abbey instalments. The main venue used as the home in the series is, in real life, Grade I listed Highclere Castle in Hampshire, a sprawling manor and 5,000-acre estate owned by Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Stately homes across Britain have been experiencing surges in visitor interest off the back of programmes such as the hit Netflix show Bridgerton - with Google searches for its locations such as in west London, Berkshire and Hertfordshire shooting up by 23 per cent in 2022. Another venue that has hit the big screen - and then attracted viewers visiting in their multitudes - has been Drayton House in Northamptonshire, a focal point in 2023 movie Saltburn. Many rushed to the British countryside to take in the real 'Saltburn Mansion' featured in the film starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E Grant and Carey Mulligan. Yet film fans now visiting the manor told of being let down to discover some of the most eye-catching rooms were not open to the public. Out of bounds is the bathroom which features in a key and controversial scene, when Keoghan's Oliver spies on Elordi's character Felix Catton having a bath, before enjoying himself in the empty tub as the water drains away. Other settings include rooms featured in the full-frontal final scene showing Keoghan's character Oliver Quick gyrating naked through the mansion to the sound of Sophie Ellis-Bextor's hit single Murder On The Dancefloor. Enthusiasts descended on Drayton House and the nearby town of Lowick, even though the stately home - owned by the Sackville family - is not generally open to the public. Yet select groups of locals have been offered tours - while many more fans flocked to the area to approach the grounds and admire the views. Among those managing to get inside was Maddie Bowness, 21, who worked at the Snooty Fox and met Fennell when cast and crew would stop in. She visited the mansion with her friends Jasmine Murray, 24, and 26-year-old Sally-Anne Harrison. Maddie, an art student from Lowick, said in January last year: 'I grew up in the village and it is amazing how much traffic the film has brought to the area. 'At the time of filming, a few of my friends were cast as extras and they had such a fun time. 'I was working in the village pub at the time and met a lot of the crew and some of the cast. Everyone in the village had positive things to say about it.' It is not just appearances in period dramas that can attract hordes of visitors to some of Britain's idyllic settings. The outdoor designer outlet retail centre of Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, which is marking its 30th anniversary, pulls in 7.3million shoppers every year. Many of them are big spenders from China lured in by bargain deals on big luxury brands, Mandarin-speaking staff and easy rail access from London.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Period drama 'just like Downton Abbey' now streaming on Amazon Prime
It is set in the boom years of the 1880s in New York City From the genius behind Downton Abbey, Julian Fellowes, comes an American period piece set during the dynamic boom of the 1880s in New York City, The Gilded Age. The series initially aired on HBO in January 2022 and quickly returned for a second season in October 2023. Fans can now eagerly anticipate the premiere of The Gilded Age's third series on June 22. Based in bustling United States during the Gilded Age, the narrative follows Marian Brook, who navigates the stiff upper circles of New York City's elite in 1882. Encountering regular turmoil, the series delves into the era's societal issues - industrialisation, class struggles, confrontation between new wealth and old aristocracy, the African-American elite, and the stories of the domestic staff upon whose shoulders their world rests. Last year, tragic news emerged from the set that a horse had passed away while filming. HBO addressed the matter, saying: "HBO was saddened to learn that on June 28, during filming on the set of The Gilded Age, a horse collapsed and died, likely of natural causes, according to a veterinarian's preliminary findings." They emphasised animal welfare, noting, "The safety and well-being of animals on all our productions is a top priority, and the producers of The Gilded Age work with American Humane to ensure full compliance with all safety precautions. Following AHA's recommendation, the horse was transported to a facility for a full necropsy. "AHA has interviewed all involved personnel, and full necropsy results are pending." The Gilded Age boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring renowned talents such as Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, and Simon Jones, reports the Mirror US. The show has garnered mixed reviews from critics but maintains an impressive 86 per cent rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. One critic praised the show, saying: "The series also still feels like something of an outlier for HBO, but an enjoyable one. "If that's not enough to elicit thunderous applause, in keeping with the spirit of the season, it's certainly worthy of an opera clap." Another reviewer noted: "The Gilded Age preserves everything that made Downton Abbey so addictive in its day, with far more American star power and its own historical quirks to explore." A further review commended the show, stating: "The Gilded Age Season 2 is an impressive spectacle in storytelling, brimming with thoroughly distinctive relationships, low yet impactful stakes, and spectacular performances from the whole cast." However, not all critics were equally impressed, with one stating: "History is more interesting than this. "People are more interesting than this." Audiences have had a mixed response to the show, with one saying: "The show is an absolute treat to history-lovers period-piece enjoyers. "It's important to realise this show takes great inspiration from the dynamics and certain characters of the era, but is by no means a faithful interpretation - which is what makes this show great. "It immerses you in the world entirely, which is always better done with more liberties in writing. My new favourite show! "I'm learning so much about this eclectic period in history." Conversely, another viewer's critique was less favourable: "I found it incredibly dull. "I tried, I really tried, to give it time for the story to develop into something interesting but I was just as disengaged at the end of the season as I was at the beginning. Unfortunate because it's a great cast (which is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars)." Some were enchanted by the show's sumptuous portrayal of the past, mentioning: "The costumes, the sets, the with opulence. I loved Downton Abbey but I enjoyed the US take on it even more." Yet, other viewers were distinctly underwhelmed, commenting: "Deadly boring with bad writing, bad acting and it sounded dubbed. If you need to watch costumes, there are lots of other choices. "Even the design elements were ghastly." The parallels drawn with Downton Abbey were unavoidable, with one viewer acclaiming: "Best period drama ever! "Outstanding acting, costumes and writing. Better than JF's Downton Abbey and has so much potential. Best show HBO has currently." The Gilded Age's third season will have its series premiere on June 22 with new episodes dropping every Sunday on HBO. The show can also be streamed on Max or rented on Amazon Prime Video.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Gilded Age Season 3 OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Carrie Coon & Morgan Spector's historical drama
The Gilded Age Season 3 OTT Release Date: Hold onto your corsets and cravats, New York's upper crust is about to clash again. After two addictive seasons of social ambition, secrets, scandals, and grand staircases, The Gilded Age returns for Season 3, promising more high-society drama than ever. Mark your calendars: the third season will stream in India on JioHotstar starting June 23, 2025. Viewers in the US will get it a day earlier, on June 22 at 9 PM ET, on HBO and Max. From creator Julian Fellowes, the genius behind Downton Abbey, this American period drama explores the glittering yet cutthroat world of 1880s New York, where old money and new money collide, and reputations can be built or destroyed with a single dinner invitation. What's the plot this time? In The Gilded Age Season 3, Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) is aiming to control the whole ballroom. After conquering the opera wars in Season 2, she now sets her sights on cementing the Russell name in every pillar of high society. But don't expect the old-money elite to hand it over without a fight. Meanwhile, George Russell (Morgan Spector), our rail tycoon with a conscience, is teetering on a business decision that could make or break the family fortune. His grip on America's industrial future might be slipping, and he knows it. On the other side of the street, Agnes van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) and her much-too-spirited niece Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) continue their ideological tug-of-war. Marian is still stubbornly pursuing independence and possibly love (again?), while Agnes fights to keep the van Rhijn name wrapped tightly in decorum and Victorian morals. Good luck with that, Aunt Agnes. And if that's not enough, Peggy Scott (Denée Benton) finds herself navigating not just her journalism career, but a complicated new relationship with a doctor—yes, romance is back on the menu, with side servings of class and race politics. Who's running the show? Julian Fellowes continues to steer the ship, with the always-capable Sonja Warfield returning as co-writer and executive producer. Direction is in the hands of series regulars Michael Engler and Salli Richardson-Whitfield, who know how to shoot drama between teacups better than anyone else. The series continues to be a co-production between HBO and Universal Television.
UPI
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Taissa Farmiga wants to marry for love in 'Gilded Age' Season 3
June 3 (UPI) -- Max is previewing The Gilded Age Season 3 with a new trailer. The period drama from Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes will return for a third season in June. "There's a moment when a young girl turns into a woman," Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) says in the clip released Tuesday. "It's dark and it's light. Complicated and not just pretty." Bertha wants to "elevate the family to unimaginable heights," according to an official description. Her daughter, Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga), meanwhile, desires to "marry for love," but it seems her mother has other plans. Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Denee Benton, Louisa Jacobson, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson, Ben Ahlers, Ashlie Atkinson, Dylan Baker, Kate Baldwin, Victoria Clark, John Ellison Conlee, Michael Cumpsty, Kelley Curran, Jordan Donica, Jessica Frances Dukes, Claybourne Elder, Amy Forsyth, Jack Gilpin, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Ward Horton, Simon Jones, Celia Kennan-Bolger, Ben Lamb and Nathan Lane also star. Other cast members include Andrea Martin, Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Debra Monk, Hattie Morahan, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Paul Alexander Norlan, Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Page, Rachel Pickup, Taylor Richardson, Douglas Sills, Bobby Steggert, Erin Wilhelmi, John Douglas Thompson, Leslie Uggams, Merritt Wever, Bill Camp and Phylicia Rashad. Season 3 premieres June 22 on HBO and also streams on Max.
Geek Tyrant
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
It's Time to Say Goodbye in First Teaser Trailer for DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE — GeekTyrant
The first teaser trailer has been released for the upcoming final film in the Downton Abbey franchise, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale . This is the teaser that was released to attendees at Cinema Con, and we are finally able to see it for ourselves. The third film in the franchise, and it is written by Downton creator and Oscar winner Julian Fellowes. The movie is set in the 1930s, and it hints that the film is about the Crawleys coming to terms with leaving the Abbey behind. It will be a bittersweet sendoff, especially considering the loss of the fantastic character, Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, played by the late, great Maggie Smith. The returning cast for the film includes Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, Douglas Reith and Dominic West, alongside exciting new additions, Paul Giamatti, Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, Arty Froushan, and more. The finale is set to hit theaters on September 12th. Check out the teaser below:
