THE WORLD premiere of Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, will begin its tour at Theatre Royal Plymouth next month, running from May 28 to June 1

In 1973, guitar smashing rock genius Pete Townshend wrote Quadrophenia . Recorded by The Who - it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album, 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 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.

Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick will perform the iconic lead role of Jimmy in the Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK production. Paris completed his professional dance training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts. Following graduation in 2015, he spent a year dancing and touring with Northern Ballet before going on to join New Adventures in 2017.

The role of Mod Girl will be shared by Serena McCall and Taela Yeomans-Brown while Dan Baines takes the role Ace Face.

Pete Townshend said: “Quadrophenia is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time, said Pete Townshend.

“In 2016 Rachel Fuller agreed to create an orchestral score of the album. When I first heard a demo of this version, without vocals, my first thought was that it would make a powerfully rhythmic and emotionally engaging ballet.

“Workshopped in 2023, that thought became a reality and I knew we had something that would resonate with new audiences, and also bring joy, as it had in its other iterations for decades. The themes of young people growing up in difficult times are still so relevant. It’s going to be poignant, tender and poetic and epic.”

A rich, orchestral arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar, first heard in concert version at The Royal Albert Hall and recorded by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra provides the backdrop for this brand new production.

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.

Paul Roberts said: “Quadrophenia has already inspired me so much, bringing its legacy forward and discovering its voice in movement created so much emotive energy and passion every time we entered the workshop room.

“I know that taking our next big step into rehearsals will stimulate so much more excitement and our generous, brilliant, madly talented young cast offer nothing but vitality to this iconic story. I can’t wait!”

Tickets are on sale now at the venue’s website https://theatreroyal.com/whats-on/quadrophenia/#book