ACMI Live in the Studio: Downton Abbey

This month’s Live in the Studio event at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image looks at “the deliciously salacious world of Downton Abbey.”

From blackmailing butlers and scheming chambermaids, to gallant English noblemen and impeccably dressed ladies, this period drama has been a hit equally with both men and women around the world.

For two seasons, we have swooned, cringed and secretly (occasionally not so secretly) taken sides in both scandalous and trite conflicts with the inhabitants of the Grantham Estate. With 6 Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe and entering the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the most critically acclaimed show for 2012’, Downton Abbey has become a household favourite; as has the sharp tongued one liners of Lady Grantham, delivered by the talented Maggie Smith.

June’s panel of guests include EastEnders writer Peter Mattessi, TV critic Debi Enker and editors and bloggers extraordinaire, Mel Campbell and Karen Pickering. They’ll tête-à-tête their way through corsets, dinner bells and thoughts on what has made this show so popular.

Perhaps they’ll discuss the appearance of modern day content such as TV aerials or double yellow lines on the roads within season one? Or maybe they’ll re-enact scenes to reinforce their point, or maybe just because they enjoy feeling aristocratic?

Whatever happens in Live in the Studio, you can be sure it will be a night that incites debate, revelry and thought; give you insight and a new perspective. You’ll never look at the lords and ladies of Downton Abbey in the same way again.

Thu 28 Jun 2012, 7pm.
acmi.net.au