MadFabulous Film Review: A Proud Moment for Welsh Storytelling at the Iris Prize Premiere
“bold, visually striking, and emotionally resonant”
Last night’s premiere of MadFabulous was a powerful reminder of the strength of Welsh storytelling. Huge thanks must go to the Iris Prize for hosting such a meaningful event. As a Welsh arts writer, it was genuinely moving to see a cinema so full, alive with pride and excitement for a story that feels so distinctly our own.
Who Was Henry, 5th Marquess of Anglesey?
MadFabulous tells the remarkable true story of Henry Cyril Paget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, one of the most eccentric figures in British aristocratic history.
Born into immense wealth in the late 19th century, Henry inherited his title and fortune at a young age. What followed was a life that shocked and fascinated high society in equal measure. He became known as the “Dancing Marquess” due to his love of theatre, performance, and spectacle. Rather than conforming to expectations of aristocratic duty, he poured his wealth into staging lavish productions, often performing in them himself.
His extravagance knew few limits. He spent vast sums on costumes, jewellery, and personal luxuries, favouring flamboyant and gender-fluid styles that challenged the rigid norms of Victorian Britain. His lifestyle blurred boundaries of identity and performance in ways that feel strikingly modern today.
However, this life of excess came at a cost. Henry rapidly depleted his fortune and faced financial ruin, all while navigating societal judgement and personal isolation. He died young, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue historians and artists alike.
What Is MadFabulous About?
Directed by Celyn Jones and written by Lisa Baker, MadFabulous is a British historical drama that captures both the spectacle and the vulnerability of Henry’s life.
The film follows Henry’s arrival to his Welsh estate after inheriting his title, charting his refusal to live quietly within the expectations placed upon him. Instead, he transforms his world into one of theatre and fantasy, staging elaborate performances and surrounding himself with beauty, art, and excess.
Callum Scott Howells delivers a captivating performance as Henry, portraying him as both dazzling and deeply fragile. His Henry is not just eccentric, but searching, driven by a need to express himself in a society determined to suppress individuality.
Rupert Everett brings a grounded presence, offering subtle emotional weight to the story, while Ruby Stokes provides a nuanced counterbalance, helping to anchor Henry’s increasingly chaotic world.
The film explores key themes including:
The tension between identity and expectation
The cost of living authentically in a restrictive society
The intersection of performance, gender expression, and class
The emotional and financial consequences of excess
Review: A Bold and Theatrical Welsh Historical Drama
What sets MadFabulous apart is its refusal to play things safe. This is not a restrained period drama. It embraces colour, performance, and theatricality in a way that mirrors Henry’s own life.
Visually, the film leans into opulence. Costumes and staging reflect the extravagance Henry became famous for, while the direction ensures that spectacle never overshadows the emotional core of the story.
At its heart, this is a character study. Callum Scott Howells carries the film with a performance that captures both the joy and the loneliness of a man ahead of his time. There is humour, but also a deep sense of melancholy as Henry’s world begins to unravel.
Final Thoughts: A Story That Feels Both Historic and Urgently Modern
This is a film that offers far more than historical curiosity. It is a celebration of individuality, a critique of societal constraint, and a distinctly Welsh story told with confidence and pride.
Thanks again to the Iris Prize for championing a film like MadFabulous. Sitting in a full cinema, surrounded by an audience visibly moved and energised by this story, was a rare and powerful experience.
MadFabulous is bold, visually striking, and emotionally resonant. Much like Henry Paget himself, it refuses to be forgotten.
