Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet heads to Lowry in July

A world premiere of Pete Townshend’s, Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, heads to the Lowry this July.

The show will head to Salford Quays between Tuesday 15 and Saturday 19 July.

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

Quadrophenia 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.

The tour will visit Salford’s Lowry theatre, visiting Plymouth Theatre Royal, Edinburgh Festival Theatre and the Mayflower, Southampton – before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London and then visiting Lowry, Salford (15 – 19 July 2025).

The production will feature 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 will be the backdrop throughout.

Throughout the performance, rising star Paris Fitzpatrick (he/him) will perform the iconic lead role of Jimmy.

Ahead of the performance, 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.”

He continued: “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.”

The show will feature at the Lowry between Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 July 2025 – with more information can be found here. 

Feature image credited to Johan Persson and were provided by the Lowry.