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Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK announce major new touring dance production of Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia for 2025 plus return of The Rite of Spring and more
Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK announce major new touring dance production of Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, and return of The Rite of Spring.
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Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK today announce Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet, a major new dance production of Townshend’s iconic album of the same name, which will tour the UK in 2025. Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s - sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today.
A rich orchestral arrangement of the album by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar provides the backdrop for Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet. The brand-new production is choreographed by Paul Roberts, directed by Rob Ashford, and features original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick performs the lead role of Jimmy. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May - 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 - 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (18 - 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June - 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 - 19 July 2025).
Pete Townshend said: ‘QUADROPHENIA is the only Who album that I solely composed and produced (1973) and the movie that followed in 1979 launched the careers of some of the finest young actors of the time. In 2016 Rachel Fuller agreed to create an orchestral score of the album. When I first heard a demo of this version, without vocals, my first thought was that it would make a powerfully rhythmic and emotionally engaging ballet. Workshopped in 2023, that thought became a reality and I knew we had something that would resonate with new audiences, and also bring joy, as it had in its other iterations for decades. The themes of young people growing up in difficult times are still so relevant. It’s going to be poignant, tender and poetic and epic.’
Sir Alistair Spalding CBE, Artistic Director and Co-CEO of Sadler’s Wells, said ‘It's an honour for Sadler’s Wells to be a collaborator and lead producer of this unique production. Quadrophenia is a story crying out to be told through dance and with this talented creative team we can be sure that we can achieve its full potential. Working closely with Pete Townshend and his team and our regular collaborator Universal Music UK we can each bring our particular skills and knowledge to make this classic of The Who's discography a powerful and meaningful story for our time.’
Also announced today, Pina Bausch’s The Rite of Spring returns to Sadler’s Wells Theatre this November. The Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells production, which features a specially assembled company of dancers from African countries, has recently completed a hugely successful, sold out, tour of North America and Europe. The Rite of Spring is presented in a double bill with common ground[s] by ‘the mother of contemporary African dance’ Germaine Acogny and iconic Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch dancer Malou Airaudo.
A filmed version of Julie Cunningham & Company’s how did we get here? is today released on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage for free for a month. The collaboration between Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Jules Cunningham, Spice Girl Melanie C and dancer Harry Alexander, originally premiered in Sadler’s Wells Theatre in January 2023.
Sadler’s Wells home in the West End, the Peacock Theatre brings its characteristic blend of entertainment, with everything from tango to street dance, mime to puppetry, drumming, slapstick and more. Acclaimed company Flawless celebrates its 20th anniversary this November, bringing nostalgia, high energy and entertainment in PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE. Belgian-based Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté in association with MimeLondon presents Dimanche, which combines puppetry, video and deadpan mime to ruminate on the end of the world as we know it.
Foggia Company from Buenos Aires champions the Argentine tango and a traditional concertina-like instrument in the UK premiere of Bandoneón, Tango Obsession. From Japan, Drum TAO combines large scale taiko drumming and precise choreography in The Dream, and Yllana and Toom Pak present the UK premiere of TRASH! - a high-energy family friendly show set in a recycling centre. By popular demand, Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell – The Musical returns to the Peacock for a limited three-week run.
Tickets go on sale to Patrons on Friday 28 June, to Rehearsal Members on Monday 1 July, to Members on Wednesday 3 July and on general sale on Friday 5 July 2024.
Julie Cunningham & Company
DIGITAL STAGE
how did we get here?
Available for free until Thursday 25 July 2024
In January 2023, internationally recognised dancer and choreographer Jules Cunningham (Julie Cunningham & Company) premiered their latest Sadler’s Wells commission, sweeping audiences into an intimate journey through space and time. With seating surrounding the stage, a constellation of three distinctive performers created a space to collide, drawing on personal and universal questions, asking how did we get here?
This work was captured in an empty theatre and is now released on Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage for free. Featuring an original cast: Harry Alexander (Michael Clark Company), Melanie C (Spice Girls) and Jules Cunningham (Julie Cunningham & Company).
Available from Tuesday 25 June – Thursday 25 July 2025
Press contact: Freddie Todd Fordham, freddie.toddfordham@sadlerswells.com or 020 7863 8112
A Pina Bausch Foundation, École des Sables and Sadler’s Wells production
Pina Bausch / Germaine Acogny & Malou Airaudo
SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE
The Rite of Spring / common ground[s]
Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 November 2024
Tickets from £15
The idea of ‘exchange’ is central in this two-part programme which marks the first collaboration between the Pina Bausch Foundation (Germany), École des Sables (Senegal) and Sadler’s Wells (UK).
Bausch’s (1975) The Rite of Spring is danced by a specially assembled company of dancers from African countries. In this pioneering work, with music by Stravinsky, a ‘chosen one’ is sacrificed changing the season from winter to spring.
common ground[s] is a work created, performed and inspired by the lives of two remarkable women: Germaine Acogny, “the mother of contemporary African dance” and founder of École des Sables and Malou Airaudo who joined Bausch in the early days of Tanztheater Wuppertal and later was a professor and director at Folkwang University. This poetic and tender piece, the duo’s first collaboration, examines their shared histories and emotional experiences.
Press night: Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Freddie Todd Fordham, freddie.toddfordham@sadlerswells.com or 020 7863 8112
Flawless
PEACOCK THEATRE
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
20th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Saturday 9 November 2024
Tickets from £18
Founded by Marlon “Swoosh” Wallen in 2004, Flawless has captivated the world with their choreography, emotional storytelling, and enthusiasm. Since their rise to fame on Britain's Got Talent in 2009, Flawless has starred in blockbuster movies, performed at events including the Paralympics Opening Ceremony, and collaborated with English National Ballet and Strictly Come Dancing professionals.
With influences ranging from Michael Jackson and James Brown to Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, their performances blend classic and contemporary styles.
Featuring the full Flawless company, Flawless Dance Hub, Flawless NXT Gen and special guests, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE is a celebration of Flawless’ 20 years, bringing nostalgia, high energy, and entertainment.
Press night: Saturday 9 November 2024 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Kevin Wilson on kevinwilsonpr@gmail.com or 020 8673 0658
Compagnie Focus & Chaliwaté
in association with MimeLondon
PEACOCK THEATRE
Dimanche
Wednesday 29 January – Saturday 1 February 2025
Tickets from £18
Sometime in the near future. Humanity has failed to adapt to the new environmental reality. It is officially the end of the world as we know it.
Dimanche portrays the absurdity of a family trying to enjoy its traditional Sunday gathering in the midst of climatic chaos. Their house is shaking as storms rage outside.
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Arctic Circle, three wildlife reporters are struggling to document Earth’s last living species.
Using lo-fi FX wizardry, miniature vehicles, puppetry, video and superb visual comedy, Dimanche observes both the ingenuity and stubbornness of humans as they try to preserve their everyday habits in the face of ecological collapse.
BSL interpreted post-show talk on Thursday 30 January 2025
Recommended age 9+
Press night: Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Lucy Colomb on lucycolomb@sadlerswells.com and 0207 863 8122
Foggia Company
PEACOCK THEATRE
Bandoneón, Tango Obsession
UK PREMIERE
Wednesday 5 – Saturday 15 February 2025
Tickets from £18
Foggia Company brings the history of Argentine tango to the Peacock Theatre straight from Buenos Aires in the UK premiere of Bandoneón, Tango Obsession.
The show spotlights the bandoneón - an instrument similar to the concertina - which comes to life to lead the other instruments, sounds and movements of the dance to encapsulate the passion of tango at its very best.
Audiences are invited to a riveting tango experience as musicians and dancers are brought together by the power of the bandoneón in every number.
Press night: Wednesday 5 February 2025 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Lucy Colomb on lucycolomb@sadlerswells.com and 0207 863 8122
Yllana and Toom Pak
PEACOCK THEATRE
TRASH! UK PREMIERE
Tuesday 18 February – Saturday 1 March 2025
Tickets from £18
Yllana presents the UK premiere of TRASH! This high-energy family friendly show includes humorous musical sketches set in a recycling centre.
Four creative workers give new life to waste and rubbish including propane tanks, umbrellas, balls, tool boxes, horns and bin bags by using percussion, movement and slapstick.
Press night: Tuesday 18 February 2025 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Laura Neil on laura.neil@sadlerswells.com or 0207 863 8114
Drum TAO
PEACOCK THEATRE
The Dream
UK PREMIERE
Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 March 2025
Tickets from £18
Drum TAO’s extraordinary athleticism, large scale taiko drumming and precise choreography, all presented with contemporary costumes and stunning visuals, are combined in The Dream.
Based in Oita, Japan, the group brings their one-of-a-kind instrumental performance, with the distinctly Japanese lineup of Wadaiko drums alongside beautiful melodies on Shinobue (flute), Koto (harp), and Syamisen (guitar). Drum TAO has received international acclaim for its dedication to the Japanese musical craft and these performances mark the company’s London debut.
Press night: Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 7:30 pm
Press contact: Andrea Gillespie, andrea.gillespie@sadlerswells.com or 0207 863 8126
Jim Steinman’s Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical
PEACOCK THEATRE
Wednesday 21 May – Saturday 7 June 2025
Tickets from £18
Following a successful UK, Ireland and International tour from 2021 – 2023, the award-winning Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical, featuring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, returns to the Peacock Theatre by popular demand.
Inspired by the spectacular arena tour of Australia and New Zealand, this reimagined show feaures a dynamic eight-piece rock band on stage and sprawling multi-level platforms that will transport audiences through the diverse worlds of Bat Out of Hell, from Raven’s bedroom to the depths of the Lost’s underground domains.
Bat Out Of Hell – The Musical features iconic hits including You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth, Bat Out of Hell, I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) and Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad, as well as the previously unreleased song What Part of My Body Hurts the Most
Glenn Adamson (We Will Rock You) returns to the cast alongside Katie Tonkinson (Bonnie and Clyde), and original cast members Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton (MAMMA MIA!).
Press night: Thursday 22 May 2025 at 7:30pm
Press contact: Alex Buchanan alex@buchananpr.co.uk or Sarah Wharton sarah@buchananpr.co.uk
Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK present
SADLER’S WELLS THEATRE
Pete Townshend’s
Quadrophenia: a Mod Ballet
Tuesday 24 June – Sunday 13 July 2025
Tickets from £15
In 1973, guitar smashing rock genius Pete Townshend wrote QUADROPHENIA. Recorded by The Who - it quickly became an iconic and multi-million selling album. Quadrophenia defined a generation and in 1979 inspired the cult classic feature film of the same name.
Now it’s back – this time as an explosive dance production - Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet - with a cast of exceptional dancers, introducing new audiences to troubled mod Jimmy’s story while remaining true in spirit to the much-loved original. With a rich orchestral score by Rachel Fuller, the production is choreographed by Paul Roberts, and directed by Rob Ashford. Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet features original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli. Rising star Paris Fitzpatrick will perform the iconic lead role of Jimmy. Paris won Outstanding Male Modern Performance for his Romeo in New Adventures’ recent production of Romeo and Juliet at the National Dance Awards earlier this month.
Quadrophenia is steeped in the mythology of the 1960s - sharp suits, soul music, vespas and parkas but its themes of lost youth, rebellion, the search for belonging and hunger for social change are just as urgent today.
A Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK co-production
Recommended age 12+
Audio described performance on Saturday 5 July at 2.30 pm with accompanying touch tour at 1 pm
Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet tours to Plymouth Theatre Royal (28 May - 1 June 2025), Edinburgh Festival Theatre (10 - 14 June 2025) and the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton (18 - 21 June 2025) before having its official opening at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London (24 June - 13 July 2025) and then visiting The Lowry, Salford (15 - 19 July 2025).
Press night: Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 7pm
Press contact: Freddie Todd Fordham, freddie.toddfordham@sadlerswells.com or 020 7863 8112
laura.neil@sadlerswells.com or 0207 863 8114
| Dates | Show | Press Contact | Contact Details | Press Performance |
| Wednesday 6 – Sunday 10 November | Pina Bausch / Germaine Acogny & Malou Airaudo The Rite of Spring / common ground[s] |
Freddie Todd Fordham | freddie.toddfordham@sadlerswells.com | Wednesday 6 November at 7:30 pm |
| Saturday 9 November | entertainers. Flawless – PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE |
Kevin Wilson | kevinwilsonpr@gmail.com or 020 8673 0658 | Saturday 9 November at 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday 29 January – Saturday 1 February 2025 | MimeLondon / Compagnie Focus & Chaliwate: Dimanche |
Lucy Colomb | lucycolomb@sadlerswells.com and 0207 863 8122 | Wednesday 29 January 2025 at 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday 5 – Saturday 15 February 2025 | Foggia Company Bandoneón, Tango Obsession |
Lucy Colomb | lucycolomb@sadlerswells.com and 0207 863 8122 | Wednesday 5 February at 7:30 pm |
| Tuesday 18 February – Saturday 1 March 2025 |
Yllana and Trash! The Company |
Laura Neil | laura.neil@sadlerswells.com or 0207 863 8114 | Tuesday 18 February at 7:30 pm |
| Tuesday 11 – Saturday 15 March 2025 | Drum TAO The Dream |
Andrea Gillespie | andrea.gillespie@sadlerswells.com or 0207 863 8126 | Tuesday 11 March 2025 at 7:30 pm |
| Wednesday 21 May – Saturday 7 June 2025 | Jim Steinman’s Bat Out of Hell | Alex Buchanan or Sarah Wharton | alex@buchananpr.co.uk or sarah@buchananpr.co.uk | Thursday 22 May 2025 at 7:30pm |
| Tuesday 24 June – Sunday 13 July 2025 | Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK present Pete Townshend’s Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet |
Freddie Todd Fordham / Laura Neil | freddie.toddfordham@sadlerswells.com / laura.neil@sadlerswells.com | Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 7 pm |
