James Norton Leads Star-Studded Night at House Of Guinness Premiere as Dynasty Descendants Attend

James Norton led a star-studded arrivals lineup at the House Of Guinness premiere in London, as Netflix’s period drama about the brewing dynasty steps onto the screen. The event, held at Picturehouse Central, brought together not only Norton, a lead in the eight-part series, but also several real-life descendants of the Guinness family who inspired the drama set in 19th-century Dublin and New York.

Norton, 40, arrived in a tailored dark navy suit paired with a blue shirt, finishing touches including patent loafers, and a handful of Guinness-themed brooches pinned to his lapel as a nod to the historic brand at the center of the series. The premiere’s timing and venue underscored the show’s angle on wealth, power, and the complex stories that have traveled through the Guinness family for generations.

The project, produced for Netflix, is described by the streamer as an epic story inspired by one of Europe’s most famous dynasties. House Of Guinness chronicles the family behind the world-famous brewery during a pivotal era, spanning Dublin and New York, beginning in the wake of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death and tracing the will’s impact on his children and a broader circle of associates who interacted with the brewery’s rise.

Among those arriving were several members of the Guinness clan: Lady Mary Charteris, Daphne Guinness, Lord Ned Iveagh, Ivana Lowell, Jasmine Guinness and Celeste Guinness. The group’s presence underscored the show’s premise: a dramatized retelling drawn from decades of family history and public intrigue. Lady Mary Charters’ appearance drew attention for her bold style, including a sheer black knitted dress with cutouts and metallic detailing that flashed a daring sense of personal fashion at a family-forward event. Daphne Guinness, known for her bold public persona, arrived in a striking black frock coat with a ruffled neck and matching shorts, paired with tall platforms and an avant-garde metallic glove and silvery penciled stripes painted on her eyebrows and jawline.

Jasmine Guinness offered a more restrained elegance in a one-shouldered black gown whose Grecian-inspired drape brought a measured contrast to the more theatrical looks on display. Edward, 4th Earl of Iveagh, and son of Benjamin Guinness, presented in a grey suit and blue shirt, projecting a blend of classic formality and contemporary cut. Celeste Guinness chose a black satin suit accented with Guinness-themed patches and safety pins, pairing it with a punk-inspired mullet; she later opened her jacket to reveal a bare chest, a move that amplified the event’s theatrical energy. Ivana Lowell wore a lacy black gown encrusted with gems, a timeless look that reflected her role in shaping the series’ concept.

The premiere also highlighted younger members of the family connected to the Guinness legacy. Jasmine’s attire, Daphne’s styling, and Celeste’s bold choices reflected a willingness among the descendants to engage with a dramatic portrayal of their ancestry. Ivana Lowell described how she conceived the project’s central character, Sean Rafferty, a handsome brewery foreman who provides both conflict and passion to drive the narrative, during recent interviews with the BBC.

Alongside the Guinness family presence, the roster of actors included actors associated with the show’s sprawling ensemble. Emily Fairn, known for The Responder, appears as Anne, while Fionn O’Shea, familiar from Normal People, plays Ben. Anthony Boyle and Louis Partridge are part of the core sibling dynamic at the heart of the drama, with Boyle portraying Arthur and Partridge as Edward. Dervla Kirwan and Jack Gleeson are also part of the cast, lending their prestige to a project that blends historical detail with modern storytelling.

Dervla Kirwan arrived in a strapless emerald gown with an asymmetric silhouette that underscored the event’s sense of high fashion mingled with historical drama. Emily Fairn wore a flowing chiffon cape dress adorned with a floral pattern and a diamond-studded collar, while Jack Gleeson wore a classic, dark blue suit with a coordinating shirt and tie. Seamus O’Hara, wearing a forest green shirt and trousers with a colorful scarf, added another note of color to the premiere’s palette. Niamh McCormack, who stars as Ellen Cochrane, commanded attention in a cream halterneck minidress that showcased her figure, and Elizabeth Dulau wore a black turtleneck with a sheer maxi skirt embroidered with beaded rainclouds. Irish presenter Angela Scanlon attended in lace balloon trousers and a cropped tuxedo jacket with a white waistcoat, rounding out a night that blended elegance with a wink to Guinness heritage.

Ivana Lowell, who conceived House Of Guinness after drawing inspiration from Downton Abbey, explained that she created Sean Rafferty to embody the family’s multifaceted history. The show’s creator, Steven Knight, described the project as a vivid tapestry of wealth, power, and tragedy tied to a dynasty whose public image has long been associated with both prosperity and misfortune. Knight noted that working with Ivana provided access to a wealth of family lore and confidences, enabling a grounded portrayal of the clan’s past while allowing room for dramatic interpretation.

Netflix’s synopsis frames the eight-episode series as a sprawling tale set against the backdrop of 19th-century Dublin and New York. It begins after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness and follows the subsequent will’s impact on his four adult children—Arthur, Edward, Anne, and Ben—as well as on a group of Dublin characters who interact with the empire built around Guinness’s brewery. The project assembles a broad cast, with Anthony Boyle in a key role and Louis Partridge among the siblings as a younger generation navigating fortune and family expectations.

The premiere’s mood reflected a blend of convivial celebration and the somber reality of a dynasty frequently described as both extraordinarily successful and historically controversial. Producers and cast members emphasized that the show aims to illuminate both the achievements and the personal costs borne by the Guinness family across generations. As the series prepares to debut on Netflix, viewers can expect a dramatized examination of ambition, philanthropy, and the human costs that accompany a long and storied family enterprise.

House Of Guinness is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on September 25, with Netflix positioning the series as a dramatic exploration of one of Europe’s most enduring dynasties. The production brings together a mix of established actors and upcoming talent, mirroring the family’s own long ascent from Dublin’s brewing trade to global prominence. The show’s creators have stressed their intent to honor the historical record while presenting a narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences, including themes of conflict, loyalty, and resilience in the face of power and loss.