What Madfabulous Is About
Madfabulous is set to explore the life and times of Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey—a man who lived as though the Victorian rulebook didn't apply to him. The film will follow his extravagant lifestyle, his refusal to play by aristocratic convention, and his relationship with Lily, described as his best friend and platonic companion. What's striking is how the story frames his queerness-coded persona not as scandal, but as the core of who he was: a person determined to be himself when everyone around him demanded conformity. The narrative arc will trace both his dazzling public performances and the financial ruin that eventually caught up with his flamboyance—a portrait of a man who couldn't (or wouldn't) stop being fabulous, even when it cost him everything.
What We Know So Far
According to Wikipedia, Madfabulous is directed by Celyn Jones and will star Callum Scott Howells as the titular Paget, alongside Ruby Stokes and Rupert Everett. The ensemble cast includes Siobhán McSweeyer, Paul Rhys, Louise Brealey, Louis Hynes, and Tom Rhys Harries. The film is a co-production between Mad as Birds, Ffilm Cymru Wales, and Picnik Entertainment, with support from the Wales Creative IP Fund—rooting the project firmly in Welsh filmmaking. At 108 minutes, it's a full-bodied period piece, not a quick sketch. The production was filmed across North Wales, and the film has already screened at festivals including BFI Flare, where it was positioned in the festival's LGBTQ+ strand, signaling its queer-centered approach to historical storytelling. Icon Film Distribution is handling UK distribution, and a trailer is already in circulation online.
Why It's Anticipated
Historical comedy is a tricky beast. Too broad and it collapses into pantomime; too reverent and it becomes stuffy. Madfabulous seems to be swinging for something different—a film that treats its subject with genuine affection while refusing to sand down his edges. The casting of Callum Scott Howells (known for his sharp work in recent Welsh productions) opposite the legendary Rupert Everett suggests a film that understands both the absurdity and the tragedy of Paget's story. What's more, the film's selection for the GREAT 8 Showcase at Cannes as a British title to watch indicates that the industry is paying attention. This isn't just a niche period piece; it's being positioned as something worth seeing. The premise alone—a man in the 1880s-1890s who dressed flamboyantly, performed theatrically, and lived openly against all social pressure—feels urgent, even now. Hard to say if it'll land perfectly, but the ambition is there.
Release Date & Where to Watch
Madfabulous is expected to arrive in UK cinemas on 5 June 2026. It hasn't been released yet, and streaming availability hasn't been confirmed. Once rights deals are announced, Movie OTT will track where you'll be able to watch it—check back here or use the Where-to-Watch widget above for updates as they come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Madfabulous releasing? Madfabulous is expected to release in UK cinemas on 5 June 2026. No international release dates have been announced yet.
Is Madfabulous out yet? No. As of now, it hasn't had its general theatrical release. It has screened at film festivals (BFI Flare, Iris Prize) and a trailer is available online, but the public release is still ahead.
Where will I be able to watch Madfabulous? Streaming and platform availability hasn't been confirmed yet. It's expected to arrive in cinemas first. Movie OTT will update this page as soon as distribution deals are finalized.
Who's in the cast? Callum Scott Howells leads as Henry Paget, with Ruby Stokes and Rupert Everett in key roles. The supporting cast includes Siobhán McSweeney, Paul Rhys, Louise Brealey, Louis Hynes, and Tom Rhys Harries.
What's the film actually about? It's a biographical comedy-drama about the 5th Marquess of Anglesey, a 19th-century aristocrat famous for his flamboyant lifestyle and refusal to conform to rigid gender ideals of his era. The story follows his extravagant performances, his relationships, and his eventual financial collapse.
Looking Forward
There's something genuinely rare about a period film that doesn't want to rehabilitate or apologize for its protagonist—that simply wants to celebrate him. Madfabulous seems intent on doing exactly that: telling the story of a man who was unapologetically himself in an era that demanded the opposite. When it arrives in June, it'll be worth watching not just for the historical curiosity, but for what it might say about authenticity, performance, and the cost of refusing to disappear. Keep an eye on Movie OTT for updates as the release approaches.
