There are certain cinematic and literary works that remain timeless over many decades and have an undying following of dedicated enthusiasts across the globe, who participate in online communities, real-live conventions, and merchandising. Some of these active fan communities include followers of the well-known Star Wars and Harry Potter (“Potterheads”) movie series, as well as the Anime and MCU franchises.
Much like those fandom orbits, there is a similar, deeply engaged, and devoted fan community for the British TV series Downton Abbey, a six season, fifty-two-episode historic drama that aired from 2010-2015 and was later followed by three separate movies.
The series is a period drama set in the early 20th century England countryside that follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their beloved servants, as they live and evolve through political upheaval and key historic events such as the sinking of the Titanic, World War I, the Spanish flu, and rapid shifts in both economic and social structure. The last season was followed by two popular movies: Downton Abbey, set in 1927, and Downton Abbey: A New Era, set in 1928.
The much anticipated third and final movie: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, which brings the Crawleys into 1930’s London, finally arrived this September and Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater made a wonderful celebration of it all. Immediately prior to the screening, the Majestic put on a classic tea party in its elegant Gold Patron’s Lounge which had been restored 20 years ago in the neo-colonial style of the original theater when it opened 100 years ago on November 14, 1925.
90 Downton Abbey fans arrived in festive attire, wearing fascinators of assorted styles, to participate in the sold-out tea party and premiere screening. Gettysburg College Catering provided a delicious spread of tea sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Majestic Theater Executive Director Brett Messenger visited with each guest and thanked the group for their support.
Messenger takes pride in the pre-show dinners and events presented at the Majestic and promises many exciting projects on this season’s schedule. He also praises Gettysburg College Catering, a wing of Gettysburg College Dining, which caters many of the Majestic’s regular events and recently won #5 in the nation for campus food by The Princeton Review. “Under the leadership of Vanessa Murre, this team regularly transforms the Majestic’s Gold Patron’s Lounge into a destination for fine food and conviviality,” Messenger stated.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale runs through Oct. 2 at the theater.
Photos by Donate Gardner and Brett Messenger
For a list of upcoming events at the Majestic Theater, go to: https://www.gettysburgmajestic.org/
Donate Gardner is a freelance writer and journalist who came to Gettysburg from Montgomery County, Maryland. A former linguist-turned-legal professional, Donate recently retired and is eager to support her new community in a variety of ways. She currently serves as the news communicator for the Adams County migrant outreach program, Pasa La Voz and supports various pro bono legal services to migrants in the area.
An immigrant born, raised, and educated in Western Europe, Donate uses her multi-lingual background to maintain connection to other cultures, both as a writer, historical researcher and advocate.
Donate is also an active musician, multi-instrumentalist and award-winning songwriter, enjoying the rich music and arts community in Gettysburg, and supporting traveling musicians coming through the area. Donate can be reached at: dvbgardner@gmail.com.