GUARDIANS of a historic Anglesey estate that takes a starring role in the new film Madfabulous have spoken of their delight at being part of the production.
The film follows the outrageous life of Henry Paget, who once lived at the striking country house Plas Newydd on Anglesey.
Madfabulous, described as a riotous and uncompromising celebration of otherness, is inspired by the unlikely British aristocrat who bankrupted his estate, lived fast and died young. The film features It’s a Sin and The Beautiful Game’s Callum Scott Howells as Henry Paget, alongside Bridgerton’s Ruby Stokes (Lily), three-time BAFTA nominee Rupert Everett (Gelert), Derry Girls’ Siobhán McSweeney (Blanche), and Ian Puleston-Davies (Mr Davies).
Also appearing are Louise Brealey as Lady Chetwynd (Sherlock, Brian and Charles), Tom Rhys Harries as Nick Durant (White Lines, The Gentlemen), and Paul Rhys as Lord Penrhyn (Wuthering Heights, Saltburn).
The film charts the life of flamboyant Henry as he arrives in 1890s North Wales to claim his aristocratic inheritance. His theatrical flair and defiant eccentricities send shockwaves through the upper-class elite, much to the amusement of the townspeople.
Alongside his spirited cousin Lily and loyal butler Gelert, Henry attempts to carve out his own identity as the Fifth Marquess, navigating suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by his estranged father.
The film was shot at the National Trust’s Grade I listed house and gardens at Plas Newydd. Henry inherited the estate, his family’s ancestral home, along with a vast fortune when his father died in 1898.
Taya Drake, visitor experience manager for National Trust Cymru, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the new film Madfabulous, inspired by the vibrant world of the 5th Marquess of Anglesey. Plas Newydd isn’t just the ancestral home of Henry Cyril Paget – it’s the place where he could be himself, explored his identity, and became a memorable figure within the local community. Welcoming Madfabulous into his former home felt especially significant.
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"Although little remains of the 5th Marquess at Plas Newydd – his belongings were sold during the Anglesey Sales and the house later remodelled – it was a pleasure to welcome Callum Scott Howells, who portrays the Marquess in Madfabulous, to inhabit the house as Henry once did.
"The extraordinary life of the 5th Marquess has long captured the imagination, and it’s exciting to see these stories spark a fresh creative interpretation for today’s audiences. While the film draws inspiration from the life of the 5th Marquess, it offers its own artistic take on the Marquess’s story.
"We look forward to sharing this moment with everyone who loves the house, its history, and its past residents, as Madfabulous arrives in cinemas."
Plas Newydd is located on the banks of the Menai Strait. With the mountains of Eryri as a dramatic backdrop, the property is set in 40 acres of garden and 129 acres of woodland and parkland.
The house contains an unusual mix of military history, theatre, and art.
Madfabulous will be released in UK cinemas on June 5.
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