Set in a highly stylised 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 changes his life forever.

 This is a coming of age story brought to life in this adaptation of the legendary ‘Who’  album. The world of sixties Britain provides a swinging backdrop to Jimmy’s journey.

The album Quadrophenia was released by The Who in 1973 and this show follows that rather than the film of 5 years later.  The Quad in Quadrophenia refers to the four different extreme aspects of Jimmy’s character and they are played by four different actors, a risky conceit that works, and works well.

If I’m honest for most of the show I didn’t have a clue what was going on, lots of loud music, endless violence, singing and very good dancing constantly distracting me.

The costumes were excellent and there was the odd moment where the music quieted down enough to let some talent shine though.  The full house loved it and the cast seemed to be enjoying themselves too throwing themselves into the violence, dancing and rollicking with the full force of their bodies.

It’s refreshing to see a show with such energy and verve about it, some tight well choreographed dancing (by Frances Newman) and as much squeezed out of a very simple set as is possible.

Carl Perry who designed the costumes has a superb eye for detail and the costumes shone in this production. The band were on top form giving the music a real freshness and vigor.

All four main leads were good but perhaps Jack Roth (playing the lunatic side of Jimmy) pulled the best gurns. Sidney Rae White playing ‘The Girl’ brought some real emotion to her solo’s too. Special mention to Kristy Malone who played the mother with real feeling.

So in summary, I loath The Who, hate the 60’s, couldn’t’ stand the film but loved this hyper energetic, sex, drugs & rock and roll non stop dancing musical.

It’s a damn good night out, just LOUD. VERY LOUD!

Wednesday 2 September to Saturday 5 September
Theatre Royal. Brighton.  Then on a UK tour

www.ambassadortickets.com/1064/664/Brighton/Theatre-Royal-Brighton/Quadrophenia