Callum Scott Howells and Ruby Stokes Lead Cast of Period Film 'Madfabulous'
Ruby Stokes in "Lockwood and Co." // Collum Scott Howells in "It's a Sin"
(Photos: Courtesy of Netflix and Max)
The history of the British aristocracy is rife with people who could politely be called "eccentrics". Whether it's the access to copious sums of cash that helps them lose touch with reality or the centuries of intermarriage between a handful of wealthy and titled families, the percentage of straight-up weirdos amongst this group is...let's just say strangely high. From Francis Egerton (Duke of Bridgewater), who regularly threw lavish dinner parties for his dogs to William John Cavendish-Scott-Bentinck (Duke of Portland) who forced his staff to only communicate with him via notes and built fifteen miles of tunnels under his house to avoid going outside, decidedly strange behavior among the upper classes is not as uncommon as they'd like you to think.
Now, the upcoming period film Madfabulous aims to reimagine one of the aristocracy's most infamous (and intriguing) figures. Described as a “fantastical reimagining set in the late 19th Century,” it follows the story of Henry Cyril Paget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, who was once one of the richest men in Britain before he squandered a multi-million-pound fortune and died penniless and alone in France at the young age of 29.
Known as "the Dancing Marquess," Paget was infamous for eschewing established societal protocols of class and gender with his frequent cross-dressing, fluent sexuality, theatrical demeanor, and lavish social life. His many eccentricities included everything from walking around London with pink poodles to adapting his (five) luxury cards so that their exhaust pipes would spray perfume. In short, he was A Lot, even for a rich aristocrat.
Here's the film's logline.
Henry Cyril Paget, inherits a vast fortune. The film depicts his extravagant lifestyle, eccentric conduct, and gradual financial ruin, culminating in his impoverished death in France at 29, having squandered his immense wealth.
Madfabulous stars Callum Scott Howells (It's a Sin) as Paget opposite Bridgerton alum Ruby Stokes as Lily, a character Deadline describes as "Henry’s best friend, and platonic lover." I think we have to assume this character is Lilian Florence Maud Chetwynd, Paget cousin and later wife. (Their marriage was reportedly never consummated, and given that the film appears to be leaning into the "platonic friend" angle, perhaps Lily won't be peacing out of Henry's life after just six weeks.)
Rupert Everett (The Serpent Queen) has also apparently been cast in a significant, though still undisclosed role. The film's large ensemble cast includes Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls), Guillaume Gallienne (The Regime), Louise Brealey (Such Brave Girls), Paul Rhys (Napoleon), Tom Rhys-Harries (The Gentlemen), Steve Speirs (Afterlife), Kevin Eldon (Trigger Point), Ian Puleston-Davies (Tin Star), Louis Hynes (The Great), and Roger Evans (House of Dragon).
The film is directed by Celyn Jones (The Almond and the Seahorse) from a script by Lisa Baker in her feature film debut. Nadia Jaynes (The Responder) and Sean Marley (Six Minutes to Midnight) serve as producers, with Nicola Pearcey (Military Wives) executive producing.
“We have an embarrassment of riches in front of and behind the camera on this Madfabulous film,” Jones said in a statement. “It’s wonderful to be telling this story, this way, right here and now. Henry was a true original and deserves this reimagining, revisiting his legend with a disco lens and a punk heart.”
Madfabulous is currently filming on Jones's home island of Angelsey, Wales, with additional photography taking place in Caernarfon and Pwllheli. It is expected to arrive in theaters in 2025.
