Francesca Moody Productions and Bristol Old Vic have announced the creative team for their new expanded co-production of the hit Edinburgh Fringe musical How To Win Against History. The show will premiere at Bristol Old Vic from 19 June to 12 July.
Following its Bristol run, the production will move to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 30 July to 24 August, in association with Underbelly at the Udderbelly in George Square. Tickets are currently on sale at Underbelly and will be available through EdFringe starting 12 March.
This marks the second collaboration between the Olivier-winning producers and the renowned Bristol theatre, following the success of Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, which opened at Bristol Old Vic in Autumn 2023 before a sell-out West End run in 2024. The new production tells the cautionary tale of Henry Cyril Paget, one of the world’s wealthiest men, who lost his fortune by being too fabulous.
The 5th Marquis of Anglesey spent his family’s fortune on diamond frocks, lilac-dyed poodles, and extravagant plays that no one attended, causing a scandal. His flamboyant lifestyle ended when he died at 29, and his family destroyed every record of his existence. Now, Henry returns with wit, belters, and a tonne of sparkle.
This comedy musical explores themes of expectations, masculinity, privilege, and failure. It’s about feeling weird and alone but knowing that fitting in would cost everything.
How To Win Against History was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016, winning The Stage Edinburgh Award. Now, Bristol Old Vic and the producers of Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder!, Fleabag, and Baby Reindeer are bringing it back, bigger and more sparkly than ever, to mark the 150th anniversary of Paget’s birth.
The show features book, music, and lyrics by Seiriol Davies, who also stars as Henry Paget. The creative team includes Director Lisa Spirling, Set Designer Hayley Grindle, Costume Designer Ryan Dawson Laight, Lighting Designer Robbie Butler, Sound Designer Dan Samson, Musical Director & Co-Orchestrator Dylan Townley, and Musical Supervisor & Co-Orchestrator Leo Munby.
The original cast returns with Seiriol Davies, Matthew Blake, and Dylan Townley.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
