New Comedy ‘Fackham Hall’ Parodies British Period Dramas

LOS ANGELES, CA — A new comedy titled “Fackham Hall” is set to hit theaters on December 5. Directed by Jim O’Hanlon, this film aims to parody British period dramas like “Downton Abbey” using a humorous approach similar to classics such as “The Naked Gun.”

“Fackham Hall” revolves around the story of Eric Noone, a lovable pick-pocket who secures a job in a unique English manor house. As he rises through the ranks, a forbidden romance with lady-of-the-house Rose Davenport develops, but when a murder occurs, Eric finds himself framed for the crime. This twist leaves Rose and her family in a precarious position.

Starring Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, and Tom Felton, the film brings together a talented cast. The screenplay was co-written by a team that includes Steve Dawson and Jimmy Carr, while producers include Danny Perkins and Kris Thykier. O’Hanlon describes the style of humor in the film as a mix of serious theatricality and absurdity.

Speaking about the production, O’Hanlon said, “There’s so much to love about British period dramas… But there’s also lots to poke fun at — which is where our movie comes in!” He emphasized that the cast’s serious reactions to increasingly ridiculous events enhance the comedy.

The comedic tone of “Fackham Hall” is established early in the film, where family members partake in bird shooting and are later embroiled in the chaos surrounding the mystery plot. The creative team crafted the film from a place of admiration for the genre, making it a heartfelt parody rather than a mere satire.

As O’Hanlon summed up, “Ultimately, I don’t think parody works unless the people making it have at least some fondness for the genre they’re parodying.” Fans of British period dramas that enjoy a light-hearted twist may find “Fackham Hall” a refreshing take on the traditional format.