50 years since its release, the legendary concept album by The Who has been reimagined as a stage ballet production which will premiere next year and tour the UK in 2025. The Who’s iconic rock opera 'Quadrophenia' is set to make its debut as a ballet production in the UK next year. Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington, London, and Universal Music UK have confirmed the world premiere of “Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet”, which will feature dancers bringing to life the story of troubled mod Jimmy – which was originally chronicled in the 1973 album and subsequently transposed to the screen in the cult 1979 classic, starring Phil Daniels and Sting.
The ballet is set to tour Plymouth, Edinburgh and Southampton before its official opening at Sadler’s Wells on 24 June 2025. It’s a weighty endeavour, as the sixth studio album by the British rock band is an ambitious double concept album and the group’s third rock opera after 'A Quick One, While He’s Away' (1966) and the peerless 'Tommy' (1969). Set in London and Brighton in 1965, the story follows a young disillusioned mod named Jimmy Cooper and his search for self-worth – which includes brawls, parties, scooter riding and plenty of amphetamines.
For those of you who need a refresher, ‘mod’ comes from the word ‘modernist’. It’s a subculture that began in the UK in the 1950s, one which focused on music (soul, ska and jazz), fashion (tailor-made suits) and a lot of scooters (Vespas and Lambrettas were the vehicles.
