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Victorian Marquess's Wild Parties and Gender-Defying Shows
3 Jun
Summary
- Henry Paget hosted lavish parties and theatrical performances.
- He spent his fortune on gender-defying costumes and shows.
- Paget's life ended in French exile, mirroring Oscar Wilde.
In a notable performance, Callum Scott Howells portrays Henry Paget, the 5th Marquess of Anglesey. This drama unearths a forgotten queer Victorian story, focusing on Paget's extravagant lifestyle in the late 19th century. He notoriously depleted his considerable fortune through hosting immense private theatrical productions and wild parties.
Paget's public persona was marked by daring performances and gender-challenging attire, such as his famed 'butterfly dancer' costume. His actions generated significant scandal and a troubled marriage. The narrative draws parallels between Paget and Oscar Wilde, noting his eventual exile in France.
Rupert Everett offers a notable performance as the sympathetic butler, Gelert. The film explores Paget's motivations, suggesting his theatrical endeavors might have served narcissistic aims rather than solely supporting an orphanage as imagined. Paget's life story concludes with a stark resemblance to Wilde's own experiences.
