![]() | |
| PERFORMER | Fran Brill |
| DEBUT | 2013 |
| PATTERN | Orange Gold |
Lady Schmanthum is the dowager of "Upside Downton Abbey" as seen in the Sesame Street spoof of the series Downton Abbey.
She struggles to receive any refreshments (tea, crumpets, or steak and kidney pie) from her valet Farson due to the unusual nature of her aristocratic domain, where everything is upside down. As the items fall to the ceiling, the dowager insists they keep things as they are ("It is simply not done," she states). Eventually, she follows Farson's advice and degrees the name is now changed to "Right Side Upton Abbey." Their dining room is setting right side up and the dowager's pie falls to on her head.
Though not addressed as such onscreen, the sketch's script acknowledges her name and noble title. She is based on Maggie Smith's character Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham on Downton Abbey.

