The Who – Quadrophenia – Album Cover – 1973 – Far Out Magazine (Credts: Polydor)

The Who announce ballet adaptation of ‘Quadrophenia’

Tue 25 June 2024 8:55, UK

A ballet reimagining of Quadrophenia by The Who is in the works. The stage adaptation is set to open in 2025 in the United Kingdom.

In 1973, British rockers the Who released their sixth studio record, Quadrophenia. The Pete Townshend-led concept album told the tale of Jimmy, a character who struggles with his identity amid the mod movement.

Six years later, in 1979, the concept turned from rock opera to moving picture as Franc Roddam took on the task of putting Jimmy’s story to screen. Phil Daniels starred as the protagonist, in a film that would become essential to the mod era.

Now, Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK are set to adapt Jimmy’s story once more, this time for the stage in a new dance production titled Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet.

Director and choreographer Paul Roberts, who has previously worked with the likes of Harry Styles and the Spice Girls, is set to choreograph, while Tony Award-winning Rob Ashford will direct. Dancer Paris Fitzpatrick will take on the character of Jimmy.

“Quadrophenia is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced,” said Townshend, in a statement. “And the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time.”

The guitarist went on to explain how an orchestral version of the album created by Rachel Fuller sparked the thought that it would make a “powerfully rhythmic and emotionally engaging ballet,” an idea that has now become reality.

Townshend suggested that the themes of the original story still maintain relevance today. “I knew we had something that would resonate with new audiences,” he added, “and also bring joy, as it had in its other iterations for decades.” The production will officially open at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London next June.

Meanwhile, Townshend recently shot down the idea of playing a farewell tour with The Who. The songwriter had previously sounded optimistic about the potential for a final trip out on the road with the London-born rockers, but he since seems to have changed his mind.

During an appearance on the Sound Up! podcast, he declared that he would not do a farewell tour, suggesting that his previous comments on the matter hadn’t been serious. “I’m not doing a farewell tour,” he clarified, “I think I was being sarcastic about it.”

If you’re a fan looking for a last live farewell to The Who, it might be worth considering a trip to the theatre for Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet.