"Glorious" period drama with Bridgerton and Sherlock stars is now streaming for free

Madfabulous, a period drama about a flamboyant real-life Marquess has just become available to stream for free. Directed by Celyn Jones, the show stars It's a Sin actor Callum Scott Howells as 19th-century British peer Henry, 5th Marquess of Anglesey, dubbed 'The Dancing Marquess' for his performances of the butterfly dance in voluminous outfits.

Howells is joined by Bridgerton's Ruby Stokes as Lily, Rupert Everett as Gelert and Sherlock star Louise Brealey as Lady Chetwynd. The cast is rounded out by Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney, Louis Hynes, Paul Rhys, Tom Rhys Harries and Julian Lewis Jones.

The movie premiered at the BFI Flare in March and subsequently released in cinemas in June. It's now available to stream on ad-supported platform Plex as well as Prime Video.

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Written by Lisa Baker, Madfabulous follows Henry's shenanigans as he enjoys a lavish lifestyle and accumulates massive debt while being unapologetically himself.

Madfabulous earned positive reviews upon release and is currently at a 75% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Empire branded the film a "bold and beautiful celebration of Welsh history" and a "vital testament to queer optimism and pride", while Movie Marker called it "a glorious romp that will 'butterfly dance' into many a viewer's heart".

Elsewhere, Radio Times argued that Jones' film sets itself apart from other period dramas.

"Celyn Jones uses Henry's story to examine the morality of the times, although the film's primary focus is on the charm and rebelliousness of its central character, bringing a more offbeat tone than normal to the staid world of period drama," the review reads.

The Guardian praised lead star Howells for a "strong turn", while Screen International conceded the film is "beautifully shot and designed" but wrote that it "fails to fully satisfy as either a tart romp or a tender portrait of self-acceptance".

Madfabulous is streaming on Plex and Prime Video.

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Reporter, Digital Spy

Stefania is a freelance writer specialising in TV and movies. After graduating from City University, London, she covered LGBTQ+ news and pursued a career in entertainment journalism, with her work appearing in outlets including Little White Lies, The Skinny, Radio Times and Digital Spy. 

Her beats are horror films and period dramas, especially if fronted by queer women. She can argue why Scream is the best slasher in four languages (and a half).