Quadrophenia-inspired art
Cornwall-based painter to showcase Quadrophenia-inspired art at Theatre Royal Plymouth for the world premiere of Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet
Celebrated artist Henrietta Graham is bringing her striking Quadrophenia paintings to Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) to coincide with next week’s highly anticipated world premiere of Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet.
Inspired by both The Who’s classic 1973 album and its 1979 film adaptation, her powerful artworks will offer audiences a chance to experience a dynamic, multi-dimensional journey through art and dance. The paintings are to be displayed as part of a unique cultural partnership, celebrating the rich talent within the local Cornish arts community.
Henrietta, who is deeply rooted in Cornwall's artscene, is internationally renowned for her bold use of colour, form and subject. Her work often delves into themes of youthful and isolated, or fractured and jagged masculinity, making her Quadrophenia paintings the perfect complement to the ballet’s expressive, high-energy performances.
Featuring an orchestral arrangement by Rachel Fuller and Martin Batchelar, the innovative new show takes its cue from Pete Townshend’s generation-defining story about Jimmy, a disturbed young Mod searching for an identity in 1960’s Britain.
Henrietta said: “I’ve always loved the Quadrophenia album and its original photographic storybook. Jimmy’s struggle as a troubled, adrift youth deeply resonated with me; especially as a neurodivergent individual myself.
“Together with the film – and now the ballet – these elements were the inspiration behind this series of paintings. I’m truly honoured to bring my work to this amazing venue, and to have it be a part of such an exciting event.”
As a cultural hub for the region, TRP is passionate about nurturing the artistic community in the Southwest, and the collaboration between Henrietta and TRP highlights the theatre’s ongoing commitment to supporting local talent.
Henrietta’s multi-award-winning paintings draw inspiration from a wide range of subjects, including fishermen, opera singers and dancers, whose worlds she immerses herself in fully to authentically capture their essence. Her work, such as the acclaimed Chefs series, which includes portraits of Gordon Ramsay, Anthony Bourdain and Angela Hartnett MBE among others, has earned her global recognition, and her collectors include Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson, who praises her as “a rare combination of a classical and modern figurative painter, a dynamic personality that is always present in her works.” Continuously pushing creative boundaries, she is a vital force in contemporary British art, blending passion with precision to reveal the extraordinary within everyday life.
Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet will run at TRP from 28 May to 01 Jun 2025, with performances showcasing the perfect fusion of dance, music, and design to capture the spirit of 1960’s Mods and Rockers subculture. The ballet is an adaptation of the original film, combining powerful choreography by Paul Roberts, direction from Rob Ashford, original costumes by renowned British fashion house Paul Smith and Natalie Pryce, projection by Nick Hillel, and lighting design by Fabiana Piccioli.
