Have you heard of the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, one of the richest men in the world in Victorian society? No? Well, that’s hardly surprising as his family burnt most of his photographs and documents in an attempt to erase his memory from history after his death at only aged 29.
Henry Cyril Paget, was famous for his hudely lavish lifestyle, cross-dressing, flamboyant parties and turning the family chapel into a 150-seat theatre so he could perform plays with his theatre group. They also toured Europe, but with little success, however because he loved it, he carried on regardless. He just wasn’t able to live the respectable life that was expected of a man of his status. Henry did attempt to get married but of course it wasn’t successful, and due to his lifestyle was declared bankrupt with debts equivalent of over £70 million in today’s money. Henry died in 1905 at only 29 years old.
This glamourous comedy musical tragedy has one mission, to celebrate and educate people on the life of Henry Paget. ‘It’s about expectations, masculinity, privilege and failure on an epic scale. It’s about feeling desperately weird and alone but knowing that to fit in would cost you everything’.
It’s not only a feast for the eyes with fabulously glitzy costumes, it’s a feast for the ears with brilliant onstage musicians and also a feast for the mind with the high energy performance, lyrically wonderful songs with stunningly articulate speed of delivery.
This show was so much fun, not only did we learn about this fabulous character in history, we discover about his life in a way that is almost indescribable due to this magnificently bonkers, gloriously amazing, splendidly wonderful show.
Written by and starring Seiriol Davies who clearly is on a grand mission for Henry Paget to be put back into the history books, manages to portray Henry as an endearing eccentric living a fabulous life, yet with clear struggles about fitting in. This glossy tragic comedy is remarkably relatable and delivers a positive message about being true to yourself.
Matthew Blake as Mr Alexander Keith is an extraordinary stage companion for Seiriol and between them their stage presence, comedy timing, and general amazingness makes a mesmerising, entertaining unique performance.
How To Win Against History was a hit of Edinburgh Fringe 2016 and now it’s back in a new bigger and more sparkly production marking the 150th anniversary of Paget’s birth. Playing at Norwich Theatre Playhouse until 26th July – go here for more information.
Photo Credits: Pamela Raith Photography
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