Jimmy Carr’s Fackham Hall period drama parody gets UK cinema release on December 12, following US launch, starring Tom Felton and Damian Lewis
Katherine Palmer Senior TV Reporter for Screen Time
08:57, 07 Dec 2025
Comedian and Last One Laughing presenter Jimmy Carr’s period drama parody, Fackham Hall, garnered worldwide acclaim following the release of its hilarious trailer. The ensemble cast production, which boasts Harry Potter favourite Tom Felton and Wolf Hall actor Damian Lewis, takes place in 1930s England.
The satirical film was launched in America by Bleecker Street on December 5, leaving UK audiences eagerly awaiting news of its domestic release. The movie, featuring Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Katherine Waterston, Emma Laird, Tom Goodman-Hill, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sue Johnston and others, has now been confirmed for its UK cinema debut.
The film’s synopsis reads: “A spoof that crosses Downton Abbey with Airplane! and The Naked Gun, Fackham Hall follows loveable pick-pocket Eric Noone (Ben Radcliffe) as he lands a job at a unique English manor house. He quickly rises through the ranks, and a forbidden romance with lady-of-the-house Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie) blossoms.
READ MORE: 5 underrated Christmas films to watch this year including Netflix ‘tearjerker’READ MORE: 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown studio experiences blackout thanks to Joe WilkinsonFackham Hall has a star-studded cast (Image: Bleecker Street)
“But when an unexpected murder occurs, Eric gets framed – leaving Rose and her family’s future perilously uncertain.” Here’s everything you need to know about catching the parody, penned by Jimmy Carr in his maiden screenwriting venture.
Where to catch Fackham Hall in the UK
Entertainment Film Distributors will be bringing the film to UK audiences on December 12. Though it won’t be accessible for online streaming, the production will be showing across various cinema chains, including Odeon, Everyman and Picture House.
The Guardian awarded the film three stars, noting: “It’s all in light-hearted fun, though that itself has limitations. The dialled-up silliness of a spoof can wear quickly, and the mileage on this particular variety runs out somewhere between sketch and feature.
“At a certain point, you might wish to return to the world of (very slight) reason. But you have to respect a sincere commitment to the artform – if we’re going to amuse ourselves to death, might as well laugh at it.” The film boasts an impressive Rotten Tomatoes rating of 86 per cent, with viewers dubbing it “stupidly hilarious”.
Jimmy Carr stars in the film
Russ enthused: “I loved it! An instant classic campy farce film!” Joseph G chimed in: “Hilarious from start to finish.” Scott C added his voice to the praise, saying: “Continual hilarity. It was non-stop.” Michael shared his thoughts: “Hilarious! Downton Abbey meets Monty Python… a must see for fans of British humour!”.
Ben Radcliffe, who portrays Eric Noone in the film, discussed the revival of British comedy in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He stated: “There is a resurgence of this kind of comedy, which I know people love. It’s stupid and silly, but it’s also genius. It’s my style. I love it.” Delving into Carr’s motivation, he further explained: “I think it was an idea that [Carr] had during COVID that he wanted to do a spoof of Downton Abbey.
“He had loads of ideas and this was the one that actually came to fruition and got made. But it was cool for me, because I have always been a fan of Jimmy Carr. I’ve watched all his specials and I watch his YouTube clips all the time. So to work with him, I was very excited. But he’s actually in the film as well, he’s not just behind the scenes. He’s got a very funny role as the vicar.”
Filming for the parody began in Yorkshire in November 2024, with other locations including Knowsley Hall in Liverpool, and Thornton Hough, Wirral. At the time of the US release, fans were curious as to why a UK release date had not been confirmed by Carr or the distribution company.
At the time the trailer was released, they took to the YouTube comments to share their thoughts, with @camez2345 sharing: “My stomach hurts a little from giggling. Can’t wait to see this!” @bartonbella3131 chimed in: “This looks so good. Hopefully a return to real comedy!” @ArwenUndomiel406 added: “Jimmy Carr as the priest? Oh this is gonna be brutal!”
Fackham Hall is being released in UK cinemas on December 12
