Review: Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet at Mayflower Theatre Southampton

Well, Pete Townshend's Quadrophenia, A Mod Ballet, opened at Mayflower Theatre on Wednesday, June 18, to a positive reaction from the crowd. 

The performance has been inspired by The Who's 1973 album, and tells the story of Jimmy, a young Mod, who is searching to find his own identity and place in the world. 

The story has been made into a movie, a rock opera, a classical opera - and now a ballet. 

It's an interesting take, with an orchestral arrangement put together by Pete Townshend's wife, Rachel. 

Young dancers convey the emotions and feelings of being young and lost, looking for a place in the world, with style and grace.

The standout scene from the first half is a flashback to the war, helping the audience to understand Jimmy's dad's background and why he's ended up a depressed drunk who has little to no interest in the path his son is taking in life. 

(Image: Johan Persson)

We see a troop of soldiers, and with clever choreography, and some heartrending dancing, it accurately conveys the sense of belonging that he once must have felt - and then the heartbreak of losing his friends to such a tragedy. 

The first half is mostly scene-setting, except for the performance of My Generation, which is an instantly recognisable feature from the film, before the second half bursts into life with some amazing stage settings. 

There's the scene where Jimmy is flying, with his thoughts and reams brought to life by images across the state, the train with everyone packed on the carriages on their way to Brighton and then there's the Brighton scenes, with waves lapping at the shore and people enjoying themselves with friends on the beach - in stark contrast to the isolation and loneliness felt by Jimmy as he struggles to find his place in the world. 

Then there's the fight - a visual picnic with so much happening at once. 

The dancing is brilliant and the scenes and costumes capture the time. This is a must for any fans of the film, or for anyone who fancies a bit of escapism or nostalgia of times past. 

Quadrophenia A Mod Ballet is on at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, June 21. Tickets from £24.50, go to mayflower.org.uk/ to book.