Quadrophenia At Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre

Image: Jeff Edoe

Set in 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 will change his life forever.

This compelling coming of age story is brought to life in this original stage adaptation of the legendary album. The evocative world of sixties Britain provides a colourful backdrop to Jimmy’s journey. Pete Townshend’s stunning score pulsates with life and brilliantly captures the excitement of a nation on the brink of change.

That’s the blurb, and while I promised a review of yesterday night’s opening show at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh, I realised half way through the show I couldn’t. Why? Because I happen to know there are several subscribers to the Mod way of life that are also keen readers of this blog, so by writing about the show would only serve to ruin it for those still to see it in Edinburgh and next week in Glasgow.

All I will say is, Stevie Ward et al, enjoy the show! If you are interested in reading some reviews, here’s a small selection:

Scotsman Review
It’s On It’s Gone Review
The Edinburgh Blog Review

Before the theatre Gail and I went for a meal at the nearby Blonde Restaurant, situated on St. Leonard’s.

Blonde is a nice and quiet wee restaurant, with modern décor in peaceful surroundings, and a divine smell of herbs and sauces when you walk in the door. Couldn’t help but wonder if old Inspector Rebus had ever eaten there, what with it being directly across from St. Leonard’s police station. Gail and I chit-chatted and enjoyed being out together, and we did so with a fine bottle of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, an instant choice given Devon Ellington’s recommendation on her blog earlier in the day.

For dinner, I enjoyed the Terrine of chicken parfait with chorizo and green peppercorn, dat and banana chutney and oatcakes to start. For my main course I had a scrumptious fillet of freshly grilled rainbow trout in grain mustard and lime dressing, roasted tomatoes and peppers, and all atop a delicious courgette, avocado and black olive salad in basil and garlic oil.

During the meal I became aware of a woman whom I recognised; someone from somewhere else in my life that I’m sure I knew and probably chatted with. The more I thought about it the more positive I became that she was a fellow writer – I just could not remember her name. Then I noticed her looking at me in a “I know him – what’s his name, again?” fashion.

I still haven’t figured it out but I’m not likely to forget. I’m positive she’s a writer, though.

Then we were off to the show. The audience was as you might expect, all Fred Perry Tops, Harrington jackets, Ben Shermans, DMs, and the car park behind the theatre was full of nothing else but scooters.

Today I have much to do. It’s nearing the end of the month and I have lots to do if I am to make it a really good GDR wrap-up when it comes along at the weekend. Best hop to it!

It’s not too late to sign up to my newsletter for the chance to win a free e-book of STELLA and some signed promo stuff. Enter your email address here and when the next newsletter comes out on 1st June you’ll have five days to get your entry in. The answer is really easy – all you have to do is watch the promotional video on my site to be in with a chance.

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