This octane fuelled musical extravaganza for fans of ‘The Who' roared into the Festival Theatre for a short run until Saturday. Driving up the North Bridge pursued, flanked and then over taken by a veritable platoon of Lambrettas and other scooters by parka wearing enthusiasts placed ‘Quadrophenia' in its historical context.
Set in London and Brighton at the height of the Mod era, Quadrophenia is told through the eyes of Jimmy with four actors portraying his complex personalities. The show, written and devised by Pete Townsend, is like a stage version of a video that would accompany the album of the same name. Without dialogue, this rock opera is sometimes difficult to follow.
Jimmy is a style conscious teenager searching for the girl of his dreams and a place that gives him a sense of belonging. Using the old chestnut of being misunderstood by his parents and working in a dead-end job, the main man sets off for Brighton on a trip that will change his life forever.
In common with many coming-of-age stories set in the Swinging Sixties, the storyline captures this era that saw so much change in Britain - both politically and morally. The show pulsates to the music of The Who and was performed by a young band that rose to the challenge in a fitting tribute to this great rock band.
The fashions and dancing were accurately and creatively produced although the length of tracks sometimes made the dance routines repetitive. The actors, who play Jimmy, were all great singers capable of reproducing the original sound, ably backed by a strong cast of mainly young actors.
The violence of the ‘Mod and Rocker' era was faithfully portrayed reminding the older generation that to-day's youngsters are certainly no worse and maybe better than Pete Townsend's generation.
Quadrophenia provides no answers, but an opportunity to try to understand what is was like growing up in the late 60's. If you like the music of ‘The Who' then this is for you, but it is more a tribute with a moving tableau than a musical.
Show runs til 30 May at Festival Theatre