Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet has opened at Sadler’s Wells after runs in Plymouth, Edinburgh and
Southampton. The Quadrophenia album, written by Pete Townshend and recorded by The Who, quickly became one of the biggest records of all time, selling millions of copies worldwide; a few years later it morphed into a cult film classic. Together, they defined a generation of young people – mods and rockers, Vespas and Triumphs, parkas and leathers.
Pete Townshend, founding member of The Who and one of the most celebrated musicians and songwriters of the era, was at Sadler’s Wells for the red carpet opening night of the Mod Ballet. A perceptive wordsmith and brilliant musician, Townshend has enjoyed a stellar career.
Now, some 50 years on, Quadrophenia has been reimagined as a piece of dramatic contemporary dance theatre, introducing the troubled Jimmy to a new generation. This is a bold modern ballet that blends striking visual storytelling with strong kinetic dance. It’s brought to life with clear direction by Rob Ashford, bold choreography by Paul Roberts, a stunning set by Christopher Oram and powerful video projections by YeastCulture that tie the whole thing together with cinematic flair.
The Quadrophenia sets really are a masterclass in fluid narrative architecture, with train carriages and coffee bars, a windswept beach and painful memories of the war. They work seamlessly with the videos and lighting to intensify the emotionality of the piece and enhance the transition between scenes. Video projections can often feel like an afterthought, but here they are absolutely central to the storytelling and really elevate the production. The opening projection of a stormy sea on Brighton Beach is so real you expect the set to be soaking wet! The intelligent lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli is also an important element in creating atmosphere and tension.
Paul Roberts has created choreography that’s tight, athletic and emotionally charged, harnessing the legendary swagger of Mod culture, fusing classical technique with contemporary style and powerful physicality. It’s full of heightened attitude, sharp and angular movements, but still deeply expressive and multilayered. The costumes too, designed by the legendary Paul Smith – the UK’s most successful fashion designer – enhance the sharp 1960s aesthetic. And, yes, the iconic Union Jack jacket gets a moment in the spotlight too.
The leads and ensemble are all excellent with powerful group scenes and thoughtful solos and duets. Four dancers animate Jimmy’s inner turmoil and, while this is effective, it does take a while to grasp the nuance of this particular narrative device. At the performance attended, Will Bozier took the spotlight as Jimmy with a winning blend of muscularity and vulnerability. Jimmy is a complex character, at once magnetic and tragic, charismatic and flawed, and these qualities are all given their moment on stage.
Kate Tydman and Stuart Neal are wonderfully believable as the working-class mum and dad dealing with their own issues. And Serena McCall absolutely shines in the key role of Mod Girl. The cast rotates, so do check the cast list for each performance.
Perhaps ironically, the only problem with Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet is the music itself. The production uses the orchestral arrangement by Rachel Fuller (“my genius wife”, as Townshend says in the program, and an accomplished musician in her own right) and Martin Batchelar that was first recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 10 years ago.
Read: Theatre review: Picture You Dead, The Alexandra, Birmingham
This is far from the raunchy rock opera first recorded by The Who and feels at odds with the earthy storyline. The orchestration just feels too polished and lacking in energy and authenticity. The original music would really make this a winning production.
Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet is a stylish and sophisticated contemporary dance work that celebrates powerful choreography and striking visual storytelling. It’s bold, intelligent and brilliantly staged – highly recommended.
Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet, Sadler’s Wells Theatre
Writer: Pete Townshend
Choreographer: Paul Roberts
Director: Rob Ashford
Costume Designer: Paul Smith
Orchestrator: Rachel Fuller, Martin Batchelar
Associate Costume Designer: Natalie Pryce
Costume Stylist: Hannah Teare
Creative Producer: Nathalie Harrison
Lighting Design: Fabiana Piccioli
Set Design: Christopher Oram
Sound Design: David McEwan
Video Design: Nick Hillel/YeastCulture
Created in collaboration with the cast of Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet
Cast: Curtis Angus, Dan Baines, Jonathon Luke Baker, Matthew Ball, Will Bozier, Anya Ferdinand, Paris Fitzpatrick, Euan Garrett, Seirian Griffiths, Zack Guest, Amaris Gillies, Seirian Griffiths, Georges Hann, Alice O’Brien, Dylan Jones, Serena McCall, Stuart Neal, Joshua Nkemdilim, Zach Parkin, Amaris Pearl-Gillies, Yasset Roldan, Pam Pam Sapchartanan, Kate Tydman, Jack Widdowson and Taela Yeomans-Brown
Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet is at Sadler’s Wells to 13 July 2025 then moves to Salford, Lowry, 15-19 July 2025.
