REVIEWS
A brooding masterpiece
Townshend is said to have created the concept of ‘Rock Opera’ but over the years the term has been used rather loosely to describe what are usually little more than contemporary musicals. But this is the real thing, true opera. While the film adaptation of Quadrophenia had a clear narrative about youth culture of the 1960’s the stage version, like grand opera, is a clear demonstration of style over story. While Ryan O’Donnell who plays Jimmy, the Romantic and Sydney Re White who plays ‘The Girl’ are the obvious stars of the show along with Ryan Gage whose sharp-suited gang leader Ace Face turns out to be a bell boy in Act 2, special mention should go to Kirsty Malone who plays the non speaking part of Jimmy’s mother, her silent brooding presence can speak a thousand words.
Birmingham Express & Star
