Fackham Hall: Spoofing Aristocracy with Wit and Whodunit—Cast, Release, and What to Expect

What Is Fackham Hall? The Satirical Spin on British Aristocracy

Fackham Hall, set to premiere in the United States on December 5, 2025, is a comedic spoof that pokes fun at classic British period dramas while infusing the story with a vibrant whodunit twist. Conceived and written by Jimmy Carr, Patrick Carr, and the Dawson Brothers, and directed by Jim O’Hanlon, the film is not an adaptation but an original screenplay. Produced by Mews Films and Two & Two Pictures, it aims to be both an homage and a send-up of the grand manor genre, marrying the stately elegance of Downton Abbey with the irreverence of Airplane! and the absurdity of Monty Python.

The Plot: Love, Scandal, and Murder in a Grand Manor

At the heart of Fackham Hall is Eric Noone, played by Ben Radcliffe—a lovable pickpocket who unexpectedly finds employment at the titular estate. The story unfolds as Eric forms an unlikely bond with Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie), the youngest daughter of the aristocratic Davenport family. Their romance is forbidden, set against the backdrop of a family wedding going spectacularly off the rails as the eldest Davenport daughter prepares to marry her caddish cousin.

But the wedding is only the beginning. When a sudden murder rocks the estate, Eric becomes the prime suspect, propelling the narrative into classic whodunit territory. Rose is forced to defend both Eric’s innocence and her family’s crumbling legacy. The film’s official synopsis promises a blend of romance, farce, and mystery, all threaded together with sharp parody and affectionate lampooning of upper-crust traditions (PrimeTimer).

Cast and Characters: A Lineup of British Talent

Fackham Hall boasts a formidable ensemble cast. Ben Radcliffe’s Eric anchors the story, with Thomasin McKenzie delivering nuance as Rose. Damian Lewis steps into the role of Lord Davenport, the imperious patriarch, while Katherine Waterston portrays Lady Davenport, the family’s matriarch.

Tom Felton, known to many as Draco Malfoy from the Harry Potter series, plays Archibald—the cousin and Eric’s main rival for Rose’s affection, adding rivalry and comic tension to the manor’s social dynamics. Supporting roles include Lizzie Hopley, Emma Laird, Tom Goodman-Hill, and Jimmy Carr himself in a cameo, rounding out a cast that’s well-versed in both drama and comedy. The cast recently assembled for the New York premiere, drawing attention for their chemistry and presence on the red carpet (Just Jared).

Filming Locations: Stately Homes and English Charm

The film’s period authenticity is heightened by its choice of locations. Knowsley Hall, a grand estate near Liverpool, stands in for the fictional Fackham Hall, providing the opulent backdrop essential to the genre. Village scenes were shot in Thornton Hough on the Wirral peninsula, with additional scenes filmed among its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and even St. George’s United Reformed Church. These settings lend the film both grandeur and a sense of lived-in British eccentricity, ensuring that the world feels both familiar and ripe for parody (PrimeTimer).

Release Details: Theatrical Debut and Streaming Status

Fackham Hall will debut exclusively in U.S. theaters on December 5, 2025, distributed by Bleecker Street. The UK premiere follows a week later, on December 12. As of now, there’s no official announcement regarding immediate digital or streaming availability—viewers eager to see the film will need to catch it in cinemas. Bleecker Street has kept details tight, suggesting that initial box office response may dictate future streaming plans.

Tone and Style: Parody, Mystery, and British Wit

What sets Fackham Hall apart from other period dramas is its unapologetic embrace of parody. The writers describe the film as the unlikely child of Downton Abbey and Airplane!, promising “tea will be spilled, crumpets will be crumpeted.” The humor is both affectionate and biting, lampooning not just the traditions of British aristocracy but also the conventions of murder mysteries and romantic melodramas.

The film’s comedic style relies on sharp dialogue, physical comedy, and a healthy dose of farce. It’s not afraid to skewer the quirks of the upper class—the inbred cousin jokes, elaborate wedding disasters, and eccentric household staff all play into the narrative’s playful tone. The story is as much about the absurdities of class as it is about unraveling the central murder mystery.

What Makes Fackham Hall Stand Out in 2025?

In a cinematic landscape crowded with remakes and franchise entries, Fackham Hall’s arrival feels like a breath of fresh air. It doesn’t just parody British period drama; it celebrates the genre’s capacity for both grandeur and self-mockery. By blending romance, mystery, and satire, the film offers something for audiences seeking both clever humor and the comfort of familiar tropes.

The ensemble cast, authentic locations, and original screenplay signal a commitment to quality even as the story refuses to take itself too seriously. Whether or not Fackham Hall becomes a cult classic, its release is a reminder of the enduring appeal of well-crafted parody—and the joy of seeing venerable traditions turned on their head.

Looking Ahead: Will Fackham Hall Redefine Parody Period Drama?

As Fackham Hall hits theaters, its success may hinge on whether audiences are ready to laugh at the rituals and reverence of aristocratic life. The film’s marketing leans heavily into its spoof credentials, inviting viewers to embrace its irreverence and join the Davenports for an evening of chaos, charm, and crumpets. With its theatrical-only launch, the movie aims to make the communal cinema experience part of the fun—a throwback in itself.

Fackham Hall, with its sharp cast, period-perfect settings, and fearless parody, stakes its claim as 2025’s most audacious period comedy. While its ultimate legacy will depend on audience reception, it stands out for refusing to play it safe—reminding us that behind every grand manor, there’s always room for a bit of mischief and a well-timed joke.