How To Win Against History
A hugely enjoyable musical experience that delivers its thoroughly contemporary message from the story of a tragic and complex character from the past.
Norwich Theatre
First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, Seiriol Davies' 90 minute one-act musical tribute to the life of cross-dressing Edwardian aristocrat Henry Cyril Paget is returning to the Fringe this summer in a revived production directed by Lisa Spilling. This week, Norwich Theatre Playhouse audiences are given a chance to see the show, and also to learn more about the life of the eccentric, glamorous and narcissistic Henry Cyril Paget, 5th Marquis of Anglesey.
Henry was born in France in 1875. His family owned estates in Staffordshire, Dorset and Derbyshire, as well as the magnificent Plas Newydd on the Isle of Anglesey. When he inherited the family fortune in 1898 he became one of the richest young men in the country. And yet, by the time he died, just five and a half years later, he had lost almost everything. Much of his wealth had been squandered, indulging his passion for the theatre, in turning the Plas Newyd family chapel into a 150 seat theatre, and in touring his shows across Europe. Unfortunately, nobody came to see the shows, either at his Gaiety Theatre in Anglesey, or in the theatres and music halls of Europe.
And yet, during the course of Seiriol Davies' highly engaging and spirited pop-infused musical, Paget is portrayed with an empathy-filled blend of affection and respect, in a show that is served up with lashings of glamour and colour, and some spectacular song and dance numbers. And all of this is delicately balanced against the more tragic aspects of Paget's life – the unhappiness at Eton, the contrived convenience of a marriage to first cousin Lilian, and the close relationship with loyal friend and manager, theatrical impresario Alexander Keith. The roles of both Lilian and Alexander are played, along with all other supporting characters, by the versatile Matthew Blake. Meanwhile, Dylan Townley heads up an on-stage musical ensemble that also features Mark Harrison, Rhiannon Harrison, Flick Isaac-Chilton, and Harry Miller.
Whilst the narcissism, the self-absorption and the arrogance of Paget's character may have been typical of certain elements of the Edwardian aristocracy, Seiriol Davies uses the opportunity of the role to deliver relevant and contemporary messages about identity, ambition and freedom of expression. And, even if Paget's lack of fiscal responsibility and absence of familial love was largely a symptom of his own environment, it was clearly his pursuit of freedom and happiness that ultimately drove him.
'How To Win Against History' neatly balances the past with the present, hope with despair, and comedy with tragedy. In so doing, it becomes a hugely enjoyable musical experience that delivers its thoroughly contemporary message from the story of a tragic and complex character from the past.
