A man in a suit and coat is mid-jump in front of a large blue circle on a white background.

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Sadler’s Wells, Extended Play and Universal Music UK present

Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet

Tue 10 - Sat 14 Jun 2025

Venue: Festival Theatre

The Who's legendary album reimagined through dance.

Meet the new generation…

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.

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 and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli.

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.

Dress to impress

On Sat 14 Jun, 7.30pm we invite you to dress in your finest Mod or Rocker attire. We’re looking for swinging sixties’ sophistication, attention to detail and impressive fashion flair!

The prize is valid from 1 July – 30 September 2025.
The prize can only be redeemed at Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh. The prize can be redeemed 7 days a week Monday – Sunday.
The prize includes £400 to spend on Paul Smith within the Menswear department with a consultation with our Personal Shopping Team. This is to be booked in advance.
This prize is non-returnable, non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash alternatives, in whole or in part.
Harvey Nichols reserves the right to provide an alternative prize of equal or greater value in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Brands in-store are subject to availability. Please contact the store directly for details and availability.
Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh require 24 hours’ notice if you wish to cancel your appointment. Failure to provide 24 hours’ notice will result in your experience being forfeited.
Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh will do its best to accommodate late arrivals. However, there may be times when a later arrival will result in a reduced appointment time.

An older man sits in an armchair in front of five younger people standing behind him, all wearing green jackets and white shirts, against a plain studio background. — Paris Fitzpatrick & Pete Townshend with The Mods. Photo by Johan Persson.

A group of men stands in two facing rows on a raised platform in a rehearsal space with a black curtain backdrop. — Quadrophenia in rehearsal. Photo by Richard Lakos.

A group of dancers lifts a person high above their heads in a brightly lit studio, while another dancer stands to the side watching. — Quadrophenia in rehearsal. Photo by Richard Lakos.

A group of dancers rehearses in a studio, performing energetic lifts, jumps, and poses, with some seated or leaning on the floor. — Quadrophenia in rehearsal. Photo by Richard Lakos.

Five dancers perform on an angled platform indoors, each striking expressive, synchronized poses under overhead lights. — Quadrophenia in rehearsal. Photo by Richard Lakos.

Paris Fitzpatrick

Jimmy

A woman with straight blonde hair, wearing a black short-sleeve crop top and black pants, sits with her hand resting on her chin against a neutral background.

Serena McCall

Mod Girl

A person with braided hair, natural makeup, and wearing a green sweater and layered necklaces, looking directly at the camera.

Taela Yeomans-Brown

Mod Girl

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a sleeveless gray ribbed shirt, looks at the camera with a neutral expression against a plain background.

Dan Baines

Ace Face

Pete Townshend

Writer

Rachel Fuller

Orchestration

Paul Roberts

Choreographer

Rob Ashford

Director

Paul Smith

Costume Designer

Nick Hillel

Video Design

Christopher Oram

Set Design

Natalie Pryce

Associate Costume Design

Hannah Teare

Costume Stylist

Fabiana Piccioli

Lighting Design

David McEwan

Sound Design

Will Burton

Casting (for Grindrod Burton Casting)

Performance details

Running time: Approx. 2 hours including interval
Age suitability: 12+
Additional info: Flashing lights and haze used throughout

Discounts

Friends 20% off (excl. Fri & Sat) – Read more about the Friends discount

Concessions £3 off. (excl. Fri & Sat)

Accessibility information

Audio described performance Sat 14 June, 3pm
Touch tours Begins 90 minutes before performance start time Sat 14 June, 3pm

We believe theatre is for everyone

We want to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.

More information about access at Capital Theatres

Listen…

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.

Rob Ashford
Director