Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK today announced Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, a major new dance production of Townshend’s iconic album of the same name, which will tour the UK in 2025. 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 arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar provides the backdrop for Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet. The brand-new production is choreographed by Paul Roberts, directed by Rob Ashford, and features original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel, and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick performs the lead role of Jimmy. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May – 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 – 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (18 – 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June – 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 July 2025).
Pete Townshend said: ‘QUADROPHENIA is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced (1973) and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time. 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.’
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Sadler’s Wells, said ‘It’s an honour for Sadler’s Wells to be a collaborator and lead producer of this unique production. Quadrophenia is a story crying out to be told through dance and with this talented creative team we can be sure that we can achieve its full potential. Working closely with Pete Townshend and his team and our regular collaborator Universal Music UK we can each bring our particular skills and knowledge to make this classic of The Who’s discography a powerful and meaningful story for our time.’
Also announced today, Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November. The Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells production, which features a specially assembled company of dancers from African countries, has recently completed a hugely successful, sold out, tour of North America and Europe. The Rite of Spring is presented in a double bill with common ground[s] by ‘the mother of contemporary African dance’ Germaine Acogny and iconic Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch dancer Malou Airaudo.
A filmed version of Julie Cunningham & Company’s how did we get here? is today released on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage for free for a month. The collaboration between Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jules Cunningham, Spice Girl Melanie C and dancer Harry Alexander, originally premiered in Sadler’s Wells Theatre in January 2023.
Sadler’s Wells home in the West End, the Peacock Theatre, brings its characteristic blend of entertainment, with everything from tango to street dance, mime to puppetry, drumming, slapstick and more. Acclaimed company Flawless celebrates its 20th anniversary this November, bringing nostalgia, high energy and entertainment in PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. Belgian-based Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté in association with MimeLondon presents Dimanche, which combines puppetry, video and deadpan mime to ruminate on the end of the world as we know it.
Foggia Company from Buenos Aires champions the Argentine tango and a traditional concertina-like instrument in the UK premiere of Bandoneón, Tango Obsession. From Japan, Drum TAO combines large scale taiko drumming and precise choreography in The Dream, and Yllana and Toom Pak present the UK premiere of TRASH!—a high-energy family friendly show set in a recycling centre. By popular demand, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell – The Musical returns to the Peacock for a limited three-week run.
Tickets go on sale to Patrons on Friday 28 June, to Rehearsal Members on Monday 1 July, to Members on Wednesday 3 July and on general sale on Friday 5 July 2024.