Sadler’s Wells, Extended Play & Universal Music UK present
In 1973, guitar smashing rock genius Pete Townshend wrote QUADROPHENIA. Recorded by The Who – it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album. Quadrophenia defined a generation and in 1979 inspired the cult classic feature film of the same name.
Now it’s back – this time as an explosive dance production – Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet with a large cast of exceptional dancers, introducing new audiences to troubled mod Jimmy’s story while remaining true in spirit to the much-loved original.
Meet the new generation…
Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s – sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today. A rich, orchestral version of the album by Rachel Fuller, first heard in concert version at The Royal Albert Hall and recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the backdrop for this adrenaline filled rollercoaster ride.
Choreographer Paul Roberts and Director Rob Ashford bring together some of the UK’s finest creative talent from the worlds of music, theatre, film and dance. With original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith, video design by YeastCulture and set design by Christopher Oram.
Prepare to be blown away as the power of dance brings a whole new dimension to the raw energy and emotion of one of the UK’s most iconic rock albums.
Synopsis
by Rob Ashford
The Montagues and Capulets, the Jets and Sharks, the Mods and Rockers, all great rivalries that acted as a backdrop for smaller human stories. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet introduced us to the Montagues and Capulets, two feuding Italian families. The title characters are now regarded as archetypal young lovers. It’s a tragedy that ends in their deaths. West Side Story written by Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim was inspired by Romeo and Juliet and set in New York City in the mid-50s. The Jets and Sharks were two warring street gangs from different backgrounds fighting for dominance in their neighbourhood. This conflict in turn was responsible for the demise of its young lovers Tony and Maria.
Quadrophenia is the story of Jimmy, a young man, growing up in London in the early 60’s. He aspires to more than his working-class parents and days spent on a factory assembly line. He becomes a Mod, a subculture of the times, identified by tailor-made suits, modern jazz music and Lambrettas. The Mod’s arch rivals were another subculture called the Rockers who loved motorcycles and rock music. This rivalry becomes the backdrop of Jimmy’s story which takes him from the streets of Soho to a deserted beach in Brighton.
Jimmy’s journey takes place over the course of one week as he tries to find his place in a chaotic and ever changing world. He is accompanied by four facets of his personality, the TOUGH GUY; the LUNATIC; the ROMANTIC; and the HYPOCRITE, who challenge each other to lead Jimmy on his quest. We meet his MOTHER and FATHER struggling to revive a stalled marriage with FATHER haunted by his experiences in World War II, his childhood friend who we discover is a ROCKER, the GODFATHER, a rockstar, who Jimmy idolizes, the ACE FACE who every Mod hopes to impress and the MOD GIRL who every Mod, including Jimmy, wants to be with.
Worlds collide and how Jimmy deals with the highs and lows and which facet he allows to guide his way will determine whether his story ends in tragedy or triumph.
UK TOUR 2025
Plymouth
28 May – 01 JuneEdinburgh
10 June – 14 JUNESouthampton
18 June – 21 JuneLondon
24 June – 13 JulySalford
15 July – 19 JulyListen Now
Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet is using the orchestral version of the original Quadrophenia.
This version was rearranged and orchestrated by Rachel Fuller.
This was recorded and released with THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA featuring Alfie Boe, Phil Daniels, Billy Idol and Pete Townshend.
Premiering at the Royal Albert Hall in London, CLASSIC QUADROPHENIA then toured the US to sold-out audiences, receiving standing ovations in every city.
