How To Win Against History

Share:

ABOUT THE SHOW 

Henry Cyril Paget was one of the world’s wealthiest men, until he lost it all by being too damn fabulous.

The 5th Marquis of Anglesey blew his family’s colossal fortune on diamond frocks, lilac-dyed poodles and putting on simply amazing plays – to which nobody came – causing a very Edwardian scandal. His fabulous flame burned brightly, briefly and extremely cross-dressingly until he died at just 29, after which his outraged family destroyed every record of him ever having had existed. Now Henry’s back to tell his regrettable cautionary tale, with nothing to his name but savage wit, banging belters and a metric tonne of sparkle.

This fierce and tragi-gorgeous comedy musical is a true story 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.

He’s having a bit of a moment, and you’re all invited to his fabulous party. 

CAST

Seiriol Davies
Matthew Blake
Dylan Townley

BAND

Mark Harrison
Rhiannon Harrison
Flick Isaac-Chilton
Harry Miller

CREATIVE TEAM

Book, Music and Lyrics: Seiriol Davies
Director: Lisa Spirling
Set Designer: Hayley Grindle
Costume Designer: Ryan Dawson-Laight
Lighting Designer: Robbie Butler
Sound Designer: Dan Samson
Movement Director: Mateus Daniel
Associate Director: Lydia Cook
Musical Director & Co-Orchestrator: Dylan Townley
Musical Supervisor & Co-Orchestrator: Leo Munby
Creative Associate: Matthew Blake
Associate Sound Designer: Mike Jewitt
 
Production Manager: Jack Boissieux
Associate Production Manager: Emma Vize
Production Assistant for JBPM: Ida Pontoppidan
 

Produced by Francesca Moody Productions and Bristol Old Vic.

Originally devised by Seiriol Davies, Matthew Blake, Dylan Townley, Áine Flannagan and Alex Swift
Originally directed by Alex Swift

PRESS

‘A work of genius.’ ★★★★★ Telegraph

‘A glittering production.’ ★★★★★ The Stage

‘Paget himself would be proud.” ★★★★★ WhatsOnStage

‘On every front, this show is a winner.’ ★★★★★ Broadway Baby

‘Sparkling piece of musical theatre.’ ★★★★ The Times

Crackpot fabulousness, high camp and unexpected poignancy.’ ★★★★ The Guardian

‘Gleeful, ludicrous – a larky collision of Gilbert & Sullivan and Monty Python.’ ★★★★ Time Out

‘[Seiriol] Davies is a joy.’ ★★★★ The Upcoming

AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

WINNER The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016

WINNER Broadway Baby The Bobby 2016

PERFORMANCE INFO

Bristol Old Vic
19th Jun – 12th Jul

Norwich Playhouse Theatre
23rd Jul – 26th Jul

Udderbelly, Underbelly George Square
30th July – 24th August 2025