Rupert Everett And ‘Bridgerton’ Actor Ruby Stokes Join Alternative British Period Feature ‘Madfabulous’, Production Begins In Wales

Zac Ntim and Andreas Wiseman
·2 min read

EXCLUSIVE: Rupert Everett and Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton) have signed on to star alongside Callum Scott Howells in Madfabulous, a 19th-century-set feature from director Celyn Jones (The Almond and the Seahorse, The Vanishing), which has just rolled cameras in Wales.

Described as a “fantastical reimagining set in the late 19th Century,” the film is inspired by the life of the fifth Marquess of Anglesey. Per the official synopsis, the story follows the outrageous Henry Paget, a flamboyant character, so ahead of his time that he smashes through society’s protocols of elitism and gender. Known for his gregarious theatrical expressions, exuberant sense of fashion, and lavish social life, Paget spent a multi-million-pound fortune before his untimely death at age twenty-nine.

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We announced back in May that Callum Scott Howells (It’s A Sin) signed on to star in the lead role of Henry Paget. Stokes joins alongside Scott Howells to star as Lily, Henry’s best friend, and platonic lover. Also joining the ensemble are Paul Rhys (Napoleon, Saltburn), Louis Hynes (The Great, A Series of Unfortunate Events), Louise Brealey (Chuck Chuck Baby, Such Brave Girls), and Tom Rhys-Harries (The Gentlemen, White Lines).

Madfabulous is being produced by production outfit Mad as Birds, with principal photography taking place on Jones’ home island of Anglesey, Wales, as well as Caernarfon and Pwllheli.

The cast is rounded out by Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls, Extraordinary), Guillaume Gallienne (The Regime, Marie Antoinette), Steve Speirs (The Tuckers, Afterlife), Kevin Eldon (Rings of Power, Trigger Point), Ian Puleston-Davies (Pennyworth, Tin Star), and Roger Evans (House of Dragon, Klokkenluider).

“We have an embarrassment of riches in front of and behind the camera on this Madfabulous film,” Jones said. “It’s wonderful to be telling this story, this way, right here and now. Henry was a true original and deserves this reimagining, revisiting his legend with a disco lens and a punk heart.”

The film’s screenplay was written by Anglesey-born Lisa Baker in her feature film debut. Nadia Jaynes (Marcella, The Responder) and Sean Marley (Poms, Six Minutes to Midnight) serve as producers, with Nicola Pearcey (Military Wives, The Almond and the Seahorse) as executive producer for Picnik Entertainment. Casting is by Rebecca Wright Casting.

Callum Scott Howells is represented by Lou Coulson Associates, Anonymous Content, and Multitude Media. Ruby Stokes is represented by Curtis Brown, UTA in the US, Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher and Shelter PR. Rupert Everett is represented by The Artists Partnership.

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