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

The songwriter and guitarist was speaking to Spanish radio station RockFM to promote the new ballet adaptation of The Who’s 1973 album ‘Quadrophenia’.

During the interview, which can be found below, Townshend revealed that there are “two things” that most musicians love doing, but don’t appeal to the rock legend: “One is they love performing. I don’t love performing. I don’t like being on stage. I don’t mind being on stage, I don’t hate it, but it doesn’t fill my soul.”

He went on to explain that he also does not enjoy collaborating with fellow musicians in the same way others do, saying he “finds it very difficult.”

Speaking of his dislike of collaborations, Townshend said: “If I was in the studio, like with a really, really great musician, or with a group of really great musicians, I think I would find it very hard. I often do find it very hard. I find it difficult to collaborate. I find it very difficult looking in the eyes of another musician. I find myself looking to my own energy to express myself.”

However, an exception to the rule is the new ballet that he was promoting. Hitting the stage this summer, ‘Quadrophenia’ will head to Plymouth, Edinburgh, Southampton, London and Salford. 

The guitarist revealed in the same interview that this is a different process of collaboration, compared to making music: “I admire the process of dance and music. Quadrophenia is currently being turned into a ballet. We had our first rehearsal on Monday. It’s gonna be fantastic.

“But I think one of the things about that is that kind of collaboration is an exploration of the human body, of dancing. With music, I find myself wanting to stay in my box for a while.”

Although he doesn’t have much interest in musical collaborations these days, Townshend did share in the same interview that there were two musicians he enjoyed working with back in the day.

Townshend revealed: “I loved working with David Gilmour on my White City album, and we co-wrote some songs.”

“And I really enjoyed working with Eric Clapton back in 1973 when we did the Rainbow Concert together. I think it’s interesting, cause so many new musicians that I really respect want to work with me, and I wish I was more open to it. I could have fun with some of the greatest musicians in the world.”

Tickets for the Quadrophenia ballet go on sale to the general public on July 5 and can be found here.

In other news relating to The Who, drummer Zak Starkey was recently fired before being rehired in a dramatic week for Ringo Starr’s son. Check out the mxdwn coverage here.