After The Applause

FROM AN ALBUM, TO A CLASSIC FILM, TO A BREATH TAKING BALLET….

This is a first on my blog, a ballet! I am not usually a fan of ballet, well certainly not the traditional type so going to Quadrophenia felt like a risk. Additionally, I had never seen the classic 1979 film as well so was not fully familiar with the story. What I do know is the band. I really like The Who so hearing this brilliant album be transformed into a passionate orchestral score was a real selling point for me.

I am happy I bought tickets, because this production was mesmerising, moving and just absolutely beautiful.

Before we get to the dancing, I have to say that the set design by Christopher Oram, lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli and Video Design by Yeast Culture are all superb and combine to not only decorate the Sadlers Wells stage in a great fashion but also help to elevate the dance and evoke the emotions of the story. Seeing Jimmy sat on the rock to begin with as blue lights illuminate his face and crashing waves are painted onto his solemn expression was simply breathtaking, what a start to the show!

The dance was sublime, each movement had so much thought behind it. Even use of repetitive movement successfully told the story of the film, for example in the final ensemble dance as Jimmy fights a group of Rockers. I was just completely taken aback, I thought I may get bored of the constant dance with no dialogue but it actually captivated me more. The choreography by Paul Roberts gives each character their own distinctive style of dance. Jimmy (played by the energetic Paris Fitzpatrick) is rather aggressive in the way he dances however, he also shows signs of timidity especially as he moves between the life he once knew and this new mod culture he has been sucked into. In contrast, Amaris Giles plays a human representation of Drugs, dressed in a glittery blue dress she flows and glides around the stage as Jimmy chases after her. I loved this choice by Roberts, with obvious aid from director Rob Ashford to rip these characters from the screen and place them on the stage.

The music was the highlight for me, what a soundtrack! Rachel Fuller takes the superb sound of The Who and creates a score for the Royal Phillharmonic Orchestra and it reverberates around the Sadlers Wells auditorium. It’s just such a powerful sound and I am sure Roberts had no problem choreographing to this dramatic and wonderful score.

Additionally the costume all designed by legendary fashion designer Paul Smith was superb, really encapsulated the feel of the era through the snazzy suits and dresses.

MY VERDICT:

I am sure that Pete Townshend shed a tear when watching this on stage because I certainly did, every single dancer is brilliant. They combine as a unit to evoke a story with no words, each kick of a leg can be read a different way and every movement is poignant and vital to the story. It is just a spectacle and if you have the joy of seeing this you won’t take your eyes off it, as you become enthralled with the ballet reincarnation of 60’s Mod Culture.

My standout performers were: Paris Fitzpatrick as Jimmy, Dan Baines as the Ace face, Serena McCall as the Mod Girl and Stuart Neal as the Father. However in all honesty all members of the cast and creative team should get equal credit. I really wish I had seen this earlier in the run as I would like to experience it again!! I think we may see a few more ballets on the blog soon with Sadler’s Wells doing Black Sabbath and Peaky Blinders, so watch this space….