Theatre Royal Plymouth 2025
The Theatre Royal Plymouth presents works from Henrietta Graham featuring work from Black Sabbath Ballet & Quadrophenia-
October 1st - 15 November 2025
Internationally acclaimed painter Henrietta Graham unveils her new exhibition Theatrical Portraits at Theatre Royal Plymouth, from 20 October to 16 November 2025.
A celebration of performance, identity, and transformation, Theatrical Portraits captures the intensity and humanity of those who live and breathe the stage. The exhibition brings together paintings from across theatre, opera, and ballet — including works inspired by The Players’ King play, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, and The Incandescence Circus — alongside the premiere of Graham’s new series exploring Black Sabbath – The Ballet.
‘Henrietta’s work is the best exhibition we have ever had here, I wish we could keep them up permanently!’ Chris Porter, Theatre Royal Plymouth Manager.
This exhibition holds particular resonance for both artist and venue. Grahams Quadrophenia paintings premiered at the world premiere of Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet, these paintings were exhibited alongside the ballet itself at TRP.
The exhibition subsequently followed the ballet and was exhibited at the London Premiere at Sadlers Wells and includes a colossal portrait of Townshend.
Created by Pete Townshend with Rachel Fuller-Townshend, Quadrophenia: A Mod Ballet was a bold reimagining of The Who’s iconic 1973 rock opera, and its creative spirit profoundly shaped Graham’s ongoing exploration of performance as both subject and metaphor.
Now, in Plymouth, that story continues: Black Sabbath – The Ballet is being performed at Theatre Royal Plymouth while Graham’s new series — her first paintings inspired by this production — are exhibited publicly for the first time.
Graham has been working on a series of paintings exploring Black Sabbath – The Ballet — a groundbreaking work created by Carlos Acosta and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Her paintings respond to the atmosphere, rhythm, and mythic scale of the ballet, translating its fusion of classical form and heavy metal spirit into powerful visual expression.
Among the featured works is a haunting portrait of Dan Baines, a performer from Quadrophenia, Ace, here reimagined in a contemporary interpretation of Swan Lake. The portrait, part of Graham’s ongoing dialogue between classical and modern narratives, explores duality, transformation, and grace. Also included is a commanding new painting of Freddie di Tommaso, the internationally acclaimed opera tenor, whose portrait channels both vocal and emotional resonance.
From The Players’ King Play, Graham presents evocative portraits of Sir Ian McKellen, Toheeb Jimoh, and Richard Coyle, each capturing the depth, vitality, and theatrical presence of their performances Director Robert Ickes interpretation of Shakespeares Henry IV.
These works continue Graham’s exploration of performers and on occasion a key hole vision of the inner life of actors and dancers — revealing a quiet truth.
“I’m fascinated by what drives people,” says Graham. “As an artist, I’m always looking to capture the tipping point — where vulnerability becomes strength, and pain becomes performance.”
Known for her emotionally charged depictions of artists, chefs, and performers — from actor Jack Nicholson to chef Gordon Ramsay,and the late Anthony Bourdain — Graham’s work explores vulnerability, identity, and resilience. Theatrical Portraits continues that inquiry, using light, gesture, and expression to reveal the truth behind performance.
Exhibition Information
Theatre Royal Plymouth
16 October – 16 November 2025
For interviews, high-resolution images, or further details, please contact: Henrietta Graham