Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia musical comes to the Liverpool Empire

Aug 20 2009 Chester Chronicle

Pete Townshend’s legendary rock opera Quadrophenia is brought to the stage for the first time for a six-month tour of the UK, which stops off at the Liverpool Empire from August 25-29.

An intensive casting search and a series of workshops have brought together a cast of hugely talented young performers from throughout the UK who will recreate Pete Townshend’s masterpiece for the stage.

Led by four young actors who will share the role of Jimmy – Ryan O’Donnell, Jack Roth, George Maguire and Rob Kendrick and Sydney Rae White who will play The Girl – the cast also features Kirsty Malone (Mum), Dawn Sievewright (Guardian Angel), John Schumacher (Dad), Kevin Wathen (The Godfather), Ryan Gage (Ace Face), Tom Robertson (Gang Leader) and Daniel Curtis (Swing).

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.

Townshend said: “I am excited about this new production. Its genesis in workshop in Cardiff was wonderful, and what is happening now with the Theatre Royal Plymouth feels right-sized on the one hand, but also insanely ambitious for such a tricky piece.

“It’s taken a long time, and a lot of wrangling to accept that Quadrophenia is probably never going to work as conventional music theatre. So I hope for a grand and chaotic explosion of music and chorus that revives the memories of being young in the ’60s, but also brings those memories to life in the 21st century.”

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 starred Sting, Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Toyah Wilcox and a young Ray Winstone.

Ring the box office on 0844 847 2525 or visit the website www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk.