Introduction to Quadrophenia
The mod culture was revived when Peter Townshend published his ambitious Rock Opera Quadrophenia as a double album in 1973. The story, about a young mod named Jimmy in 1960s London, deals with social pressure, loss of identity, and his job as a post-room boy. This was later turned into a cult film by Franc Roddam in 1979, featuring Italian Scooters, Amphetamines, and Chelsea Boots.
The Mod Ballet
Over 50 years later, choreographer Paul Roberts, who has worked with everyone from Harry Styles to Prince, transformed the material into a "mod ballet" set to an orchestral reproduction of Quadrophenia by Rachel Fuller, Townshend’s wife. The production is steeped in 1960s culture: dancers wear sharp suits by Paul Smith, while archive footage of The Who’s heyday is projected throughout.
Relevance in Modern Times
In 2025, Quadrophenia’s themes of identity crisis and masculinity are just as relevant as they were 50 years ago. Ideas of the manosphere and Andrew Tate are threateningly prevalent. "Young people nowadays have difficulty finding their place in the world," says Roberts. "Where do they fit in society now, with toxic masculinity dominating? Young men can learn a lot by absorbing Jimmy’s journey. He portrays ‘I don’t care about it,’ but he really wants to prove that he can be someone."
The Story of Quadrophenia
Set in 1965, Quadrophenia sees Jimmy quit his job, clash with his parents over his drug use, destroy his Lambretta scooter, and contemplate suicide. "It’s a story of young people trying to find meaning in the wrong places," says dancer Paris Fitzpatrick, who plays the lead role and is having the time of his life despite the dark undertones. "I’m probably wearing the most beautiful suit I’ll ever wear, and I’m performing every day," he says.
Bringing the Story to Life
Townshend himself was present and offered Fitzpatrick and the rest of the lineup, whom he likes to call "young myths," his own memories of mod life. "I don’t think I listened to the album properly," admits Fitzpatrick. "But now I have to say that I’m a fan. After getting to know the piece more – since the first workshop I did – I’ve rewatched the film and listened to the album, and I really enjoyed being more intimate with all its nuance and beauty. It’s epic."
The Production
The production came together quickly, with eight weeks of rehearsals and two weeks in front of tour dates in Plymouth, Edinburgh, and Southampton at the beginning of this year. This month, it officially opens in Sadler’s Wells in London. For selected London dates, Matthew Ball, the celebrated principal dancer in the Royal Ballet, guest stars in the role of Ace – a rock star that Jimmy idolizes.
Encouraging a New Audience
"I’m lucky that I get to dance to ‘My Generation,’" says Ball, referring to the band’s early punk anthem. "My part is pretty small, but I can make a big impact in a short time. I play a rock star, so there’s a very strong feeling of playing off the audience, feeding their energy, and asking for more." Both as an album and as a film, Quadrophenia has received cult status – many of whom must be fascinated by every production that bears its name today, especially one in which Townshend himself is involved.
Conclusion
While ballet can be an intimidating and niche form, Roberts and Ball encourage mods to see it for themselves. "We read each other’s body language all day," says Ball. "Maybe you think nothing about dance, and you don’t appreciate it – but if you like Pete Townshend, trust me, he danced on stage when he performed, and it’s not too different." Quadrophenia, a mod ballet, is on at Sadler’s Wells Theater in London from June 24th to July 13th and in Lowry in Salford from July 15th to 19th.
