Callum Scott Howells stars as Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey, a 19th century flamboyant peer. When he arrives at his estate to take up his role, he starts spending extravagantly. He also enters into a marriage of convenience with his friend Lily (Ruby Stokes). She wants to avoid the clutches of the vile Lord Penrhyn (Paul Rhys) and he seeks a little conventional respectability, at least initially, that Lily provides.
Henry seems uninterested in sex, at least with women, though Lisa Baker’s coy script hints at him having a relationship with a theatrical director Nick Durant (Tom Rhys Harries). In fact, it is Baker’s script that is the biggest weak link here. There are a number of anachronisms and Americanisms, and the scandal that Henry creates across the country is talked about but not shown. Also, towards the end, people who Henry has caused financial harm forgive him far too easily to be credible.
What makes this worth watching though is the great cast. Stokes burst onto the scene with a fantastic turn in Rocks a few years ago, and this, very different part, shows her versatility. Supporting her and Howells are Rupert Everett as a butler with a twinkle in his eye, Louise Brealey as Lily’s shocked mother and Leisa Gwenllian as Lily’s oldest friend. Seasoned performers Steve Speirs and Kevin Eldon play tradesmen that Paget patronises.
Rating: 6 out of 10