EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: HOW TO WIN AGAINST WINNING, Assembly George Square Theatre, 11 August
At school, history can be a marmite subject. Covering historical moments and movements of great importance do heighten our ability to evaluate events of today, but it can feel like a task rather than a joy. Thankfully, the Edinburgh Fringe can provide extracurricular knowledge that opens our eyes to historical figures you wish you'd heard of decades ago.
How to Win Against Winning is a musical comedy telling the eccentric life of Henry Cyril Paget, the 5th Marquis of Anglesey. Destined to inherit the empire, his life followed a yellow brick road instead of the traditional path of aristocracy. Discovering new lands and fighting natives was not for him. His pleasures lay in spending his vast wealth on producing plays, starring him, which nobody came to see.
Seiriol Davies sparkles as the flamboyant, infamous crossdresser Henry. This hilariously inspirational story of being oneself and enjoying life is told through the perfect show format, with big sequins, headdresses and catchy original musical theatre songs. Matthew Blake and Dylan Townley complete the diamond-studded trio bouncing off each other to paint a portrait of a man with broad, bold strokes.
Through the humour and storytelling, it is hard to believe this was a real person whose mind was as extravagant as his lifestyle. The trio make the tale come to life in a magical way that does justice to this mirrorball of a man who was almost erased from history. You will laugh and smile in sheer joy, then be touched by tender tales of heartbreak, sexuality and identity. These drops of glitter tears add needed light and shade.
A fierce and fun frenzy of musical theatre by a magnificent trio, from whom we expect great things in future. How to Win Against Winning is a story you never knew you wanted to hear, but will never forget it once you have.
How to Win Against Winning runs at Assembly George Square Theatre until 29 August
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