First look at Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, as Matthew Ball joins the cast during London run at Sadler’s Wells

May 16, 20253 min read

Neighbor, would you like me to read the news to you?

Sadler’s Wells, Extended Play, and Universal Music UK have unveiled a sneak peek into the rehearsals for the exciting new dance production, Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet.

This captivating show is set to tour several locations, including Plymouth Theatre Royal (May 28 – June 1, 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (June 10 – 14, 2025), and Mayflower, Southampton (June 18 – 21, 2025), before officially premiering at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London (June 24 – July 13, 2025). It will then travel to The Lowry in Salford (July 15 – 19, 2025). The production is currently being developed and rehearsed at Sadler’s Wells East, a vibrant hub for dance in East London.

Originally conceived in 1973 by rock legend Pete Townshend, Quadrophenia was recorded by The Who and quickly became an iconic, best-selling album that defined a generation. It later inspired the cult classic film in 1979.

This new adaptation features a talented cast of dancers bringing to life the story of mod Jimmy while remaining faithful to the essence of the beloved original. Set against a backdrop of 1960s imagery—sharp suits, soul music, Vespas, and parkas—the ballet explores themes of lost youth, rebellion, belonging, and the quest for social change, which resonate just as powerfully today.

For select performances during the London run, Royal Ballet Principal dancer Matthew Ball will join the cast as a guest artist in the role of Godfather. A graduate of The Royal Ballet School, Ball joined The Royal Ballet in the 2013/14 season and became a Principal dancer in 2018. He has performed leading roles in both classical and contemporary works and has received accolades including Best Emerging Artist at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards in 2016.

Joining him are Zack Guest and Jack Widdowson, who will take on the roles of Swings.

Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick will portray the iconic lead role of Jimmy. After training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, he graduated in 2015 and danced with Northern Ballet before joining New Adventures in 2017. His notable roles include Romeo in Matthew Bourne’s Romeo + Juliet and Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty. Fitzpatrick has received multiple nominations, including The Times Breakthrough Award and wins for Outstanding Male Modern Performance.

The cast of Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet includes: Curtis Angus, Dan Baines, Jonathon Luke Baker, Will Bozier, Anya Ferdinand, Paris Fitzpatrick, Euan Garrett, Seirian Griffiths, Zack Guest, Georges Hann, Dylan Jones, Serena McCall, Stuart Neal, Joshua Nkemdilim, Zach Parkin, Amaris Pearl-Gillies, Yasset Roldan, Pam Pam Sapchartanan, Kate Tydman, Jack Widdowson, and Taela Yeomans-Brown.