Sadlers Wells, London
June 24, 2025
A rave review should be just that. A rave. And I can’t think of a single thing that I would want to change or improve about Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet.
Created from his mega-successful album of the same name in 1973, having already been turned into a film in 1979, Quadrophenia the ballet tops-out in every aspect.
It is clear that the time, care, and expertise that has gone into creating it is exceptional. At the end, the entire house was on its feet. Sometimes clapping and standing are just not enough to express appreciation for an outstanding show. So, here.
Quadrophenia tells the story of Jimmy, a disillusioned mod wrestling with his identity, set against the backdrop of the famed mods versus rockers feud. The dancing, choreography and immersive visuals are all outstanding. The specially brought together company come from a range of training backgrounds. All have impressive CVs and experience to their names.
Photo Johan Persson
Of singular mention has to be Paris Fitzpatrick dancing Jimmy. Winner of the award for Outstanding Male Modern Performance in the 2023 National Dance Awards (for his performance as Romeo in Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet), Fitzpatrick’s fluidity, grace, and range are stunning. The movements melt into one and other to create pure dance; not individual steps choreographed into sequences, but what can only be described as a ‘flow of consciousness’ dance. His solo danced to ‘My Generation’ takes dance to new heights.
Matthew Ball, guesting from his role as principal dancer with The Royal Ballet, is a joy to watch, performing the tightly knitted dances of the Mods with precision, style, humour, and superb technique. As the Mother, Katie Tydman brings a pathos and yearning to her dancing that leaves the watcher with a deep sadness for a life thrown away.
All are given stunning material to work with by award winning choreographer Paul Roberts, who has worked with the best of the best, including Dolly Paton, Prince and Sir Paul McCartney. His originality, blend of styles and techniques, creativity and daring, fused with searing emotionality, surely single him out as that special talent forging new paths, and changing the way things are done in dance.
Lastly, the creative team at YeastCulture, founded in 2001 by Nick Hillel, have achieved something incredible with their immersive visuals that create the environments in which Quadrophenia takes place; bringing an existential element to live performance that engulfs the audience in surging seas, clubs and alleyways, in a way previously reserved for film.
Even if you are not a Pete Townshend fan, this is show that you will not want to miss, and always regret it if you do. Grab a ticket while there are still some to be had