How To Win Against History is the story of Henry Cyril Paget, turned into a musical. If you have no idea who that is, then you shouldn’t be surprised. Paget was one of the richest men in the world back in the 1900s, but his flamboyant lifestyle and outrageous behaviour (by Edwardian standards) shocked his family so much that they effectively erased any trace of the man’s existence when he died at the all-too-young age of 29.
How To Win Against History is a musical extravaganza; a glitzy, showy affair which starts off gently and slowly gets stronger and more flamboyant as it goes along. It’s ultimately a sad tale; one of a man who, though born to great wealth, is never truly able to express their authentic self. The fact that they squandered a vast fortune is hardly relevant; they lived as hard as they could. Also, the songs are very good.
Despite the story itself, this is a fun show. The main character is deliberately depicted as unlikable to hammer home the fact that they have no place in the society they are part of. And yet Henry still wins by holding onto themselves. The ultimate message that one wins the game of life by being who you truly feel you are is an important one. A message that, sadly, remains contentious and political to this day.
This is the latest, and perhaps final, iteration of the show. It’s been in development for almost a decade at this point. Wales-based playwright and actor Seiriol Davies (who plays Henry in the show) was inspired to resurrect the story of this obscure historical figure following a spot of local tourism. The show has clearly mutated and been tinkered with over the years; the story is broader and more complete, and the songs are a lot more memorable. (It also now has a bigger band.) It does feel like it has finally found its audience and become the flamboyant firework it was meant to be.
Henry Cyril Paget was the Frank Sidebottom of his time, in the sense that he was an outrageous outsider artist who never got any of the love or recognition they deserved for their work, at least while they were still in a position to enjoy the attention. The British really do seem to love celebrating their glorious weirdoes after they are gone. A marvellous misfit show, and essential viewing for anyone who considers themselves simply fabulous.
You can book tickets for the fringe show here and learn more about future tours here.
