Customers from France, New York, Germany and Birmingham travelled to take part in the final ever DOWNTON ABBEY cast and crew event at The Chiswick Cinema on the 18 September.

The exclusive night, one of only a handful of Q&A events for the film on the planet, was part of the cinema’s unique way of encouraging support for the big screen experience and its celebration of its local area and community. 

Director Simon Curtis shared his experience helming the final instalment of the beloved franchise which paid tribute to the dearly missed Dame Maggie Smith.

Production designer Donal Woods, producer Liz Trubridge and star Michelle Dockery shared 15 years worth of stories and memories and highlights from their time on the show and the subsequent films.

Playwright Jonathan Maitland hosted a sold-out Q&A in one screen, while the special guests also surprised customers in a second screen with an on stage introduction. 

“This is the last event on the press tour on the last film….its the very last Downton event and so its very special we are here in Chiswick” – Simon Curtis

Chris Parker, Programme and Marketing Manager at The Chiswick Cinema, said: “What a privilege to produce the final Downton Abbey event and to welcome two packed houses with some phenomenal local stars who are so passionate about the cinema experience. Exhibition is always facing new challenges – COVID, streaming, strikes, price, slate – so to see such big names bringing their support in person shows there is magic to still be kept alive.

“I hope it shows that The Chiswick Cinema is going some way to showing strong engagement, a considerable industry reputation and ambition for the future. Our team did an extraordinary job to deliver it and I’m very grateful to them. We wish to thank Tracey McKeown and Gareth Neame, as well as the special guests for their passionate support in the event.”

Photos: Can Mehmethanoglu