Pete Townshend’s 1973 rock opera ‘Quadrophenia’ has been adapted into a new dance production, premiering at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London on 24 June 2024. Titled ‘Quadrophenia: a Mod Ballet’, this production marks the reinterpretation of the album into a large-scale dance work.

The daring adaptation is the result of a collaboration between Sadler’s Wells, Universal Music UK, Extended Play and Arts Council England. The show offers a bold reinterpretation of Townshend’s multi-million selling album, originally recorded by The Who and later adapted into the 1979 cult film of the same name.

The story centres around Jimmy, a young, disillusioned mod struggling with identity and alienation. In the new ballet adaptation, Jimmy is portrayed by dancer Paris Fitzpatrick. His personality is split into four aspects (quad) – The Romantic, The Lunatic, The Hypocrite, and The Tough Guy – each represented by separate dancers.

The ballet expands on Jimmy’s world, introducing his emotionally detached parents – whose tender ballroom duet emerges as one of the production’s most poignant moments. Familiar figures such as the Mod Girl and Ace Face return as central characters, with the narrative exploring identity, alienation, and the desperation to belong.

The musical score is based on an orchestral version of the original ‘Quadrophenia’ album. The arrangement was composed by Rachel Fuller, Pete Townshend’s wife. Originally debuted at the Royal Albert Hall and later recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Fuller’s arrangements lend an emotional richness to the performance, giving new life to classic tracks such as ‘Love Reign O’er Me’ and ‘The Real Me’.

Bringing this ambitious production to the stage are choreographer Paul Roberts and director Rob Ashford. Roberts, best known for his pop choreography with artists like The Spice Girls and Harry Styles, makes his ballet debut with ‘Quadrophenia’, while Ashford brings his musical theatre expertise to the staging. The production incorporates multiple dance styles and is described as a hybrid between ballet and contemporary dance, influenced by mod culture and theatrical performance.

Deemed by The Guardian as a “razor-sharp reboot of the Who’s rock opera”. ‘Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet’ is a bold reinvention of the classic album, honouring the original record while pushing artistic boundaries. With its striking visuals, emotionally charged choreography, and powerful music, the production offers a fresh and immersive way to experience Townshend’s timeless tale of youth, identity, and lost direction.

‘Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet’ opened on 24 June 2025 at Sadler’s Wells – tickets to the show can be accessed here.

Our recent coverage on The Who can be read here – as they fire and rehire dummer Zak Starkey