Callum Scott Howells, star of It’s A Sin, has been chosen to portray the flamboyant and rebellious aristocrat Henry ‘Cyril’ Paget in the indie film Madfabulous, set to start filming this summer. Cyril Paget was renowned for his dramatic robes, cross-dressing, and fluid approach to sexuality and gender identity, making him a controversial figure within his aristocratic family.
Directed by Celyn Jones (The Almond And The Seahorse) and produced by Mad As Birds (Poms), Madfabulous will tell the fascinating true story of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. In the late 19th century, this British peer, known as “the dancing marquess,” defied societal norms of class and gender through his theatrical flair and extravagant lifestyle, spending a multi-million-pound fortune before his tragic death at 29.
BAFTA nominee Callum Scott Howells shared his excitement, saying: “It is a real honour to be portraying Cyril in this great story about the man and everything he represented. He is such a fascinating character; truly a rebel ahead of his time and has been an inspiration to many artists throughout the years. I can’t wait to work with this great team to bring Cyril to life on screen.”
Filming is set to begin on the beautiful island of Anglesey in North Wales this August.
Five Facts About The Fifth Marquess Of Anglesey:
A Life of Theatrical Flair: Cyril Paget was famously known as the “Dancing Marquess” due to his love for performance and theatrics. He transformed the family chapel at Plas Newydd into the Gaiety Theatre, where he frequently performed in lavish productions, often starring himself in elaborate costumes.
Lavish Spending: Cyril Paget had a penchant for extravagance, spending vast amounts of money on jewellery, costumes, and theatrical productions. His financial imprudence was so severe that he eventually amassed debts of £544,000 (equivalent to around £70 million today) and was declared bankrupt in 1904.
Fashion Icon: Paget was ahead of his time when it came to fashion, known for his flamboyant and often gender-fluid attire. He enjoyed wearing voluminous robes and sparkling jewellery, challenging the rigid Victorian norms of gender and sexuality.
A Short-Lived Marriage: His marriage to Lillian Florence Maud Chetwynd was brief and tumultuous. The couple separated after just six weeks, with Lillian citing “non-consummation” as a reason for their split. This personal detail added to his enigmatic and controversial public persona.
A Legacy of Controversy and Intrigue: Cyril Paget’s wild and extravagant style is still shaking up the fashion world, and Harris Reed is leading the charge. In 2020, Reed launched “Thriving In Our Outrage,” a jaw-dropping collection that pays homage to Paget’s flamboyant, gender-fluid aesthetic. Crafted during the lockdown, the collection screams opulence and drama, with bold sequins, dramatic silhouettes, and luxe fabrics that break all the traditional gender rules.
