Pete Townshend's legendary rock opera Quadrophenia is brought to the stage for the first time for a six month tour of the UK, opening in Plymouth in May 2009. Full tour details are listed below.
Set in London and Brighton at the height of the Mod era, Quadrophenia is told through the eyes of Jimmy, a hedonistic style conscious teenager searching for a place to belong and a girl to love. Misunderstood by his parents and stuck in a dead end job, he sets off on a trip to Brighton that will change his life forever.
The compelling coming of age story is brought to life in this original stage adaptation of the legendary album. The evocative world of sixties Britain provides a colourful backdrop to Jimmy's journey. Pete Townshend's score captures the excitement of a nation on the brink of change.
Quadrophenia documents a culturally significant moment in Britain, the influences of which are still seen today in music and fashion. The story takes a snapshot of one of the most interesting and energising times for pop culture in Britain.
The album Quadrophenia was released by The Who in 1973 followed by the iconic film in 1979. Rolling Stone magazine and VH1 have named it one of the 100 Greatest Albums of all Time. The film which became a cult hit was directed by Franc Roddam and starring Sting, Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Wilcox and a young Ray Winstone, it captured the tense and at times violent atmosphere in the UK in the mid 1960s.
This brand new stage adaptation of the album is directed by Tom Critchley.
A young cast will be assembled by Casting Director Pippa Ailion, whose most recent credit Spring Awakening opened at the Lyric Hammersmith on February 3rd and also features a cast of exciting young performers.
Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend (born 19 May 1945 in Chiswick, London), is an English rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, composer, and writer, known principally as the guitarist and songwriter for The Who, as well as for his own solo career. His career with The Who spans more than forty years, during which time the band grew to be considered one of the most influential bands of the rock era, in addition to being "possibly the greatest live band ever."
Townshend is the primary songwriter for the Who, writing well over one hundred songs for the band's eleven studio albums, including the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia and the well-regarded rock radio staple Who's Next, plus dozens more that appeared as non-album singles, bonus tracks on reissues, and tracks on rarities compilations such as Odds and Sods. He has also written over one hundred songs for his solo albums and rarities compilations. Although known mainly for being a guitarist, he is also an accomplished singer and keyboard player, and has played many other instruments on his solo albums, and on some Who albums (such as banjo, accordion, synthesizer, piano, bass guitar, drums). Townshend has also written newspaper and magazine articles, book reviews, essays, books, and scripts.
Music, Lyrics and concept by Pete Townshend
Stage Adaptation by Jeff Young, John O'Hara and Tom Critchley
Written by Jeff Young
Director Tom Critchley
Musical Supervisor & Arrangements John O'Hara
Set Design Sophie Khan
Costume Design Carl Perry
Choreography Frances Newman
Lighting Design Ace McCarron
Fight Direction Kevin McCurdy
Sound Design Jason Barnes
Musical Director Elliott Ware
Casting Director Pippa Ailion
