Beccles-based Spotlight Musical Theatre Group set to stage musical adaptation of The Who’s iconic rock opera, Quadrophenia

Quadrophenia. Louise Abel (Monkey) & Brad Mercer (Jimmy) Pictures: Caroline Lawrence Photography (Image: Caroline Lawrence Photography)

And a classic rock opera will roll into north Suffolk for a regional amateur première next month.

Beccles-based Spotlight Musical Theatre Group will stage a musical adaptation of The Who's iconic rock opera, Quadrophenia.

They will perform the East Anglian amateur première at the Public Hall, Beccles from June 27 to July 1.

With five performances of a show fans of The Who should not miss, show director, Andy Osborne, said: 'Our rehearsals are on schedule and Act One and Two scenes are looking great.

Quadrophenia. From left to right - James Morrison (Romantic Ego), Brad Mercer (Jimmy), Joe Learner (Tough Ego) and Daniel Hughes (Lunatic Ego) Pictures: Caroline Lawrence Photography (Image: Caroline Lawrence Photography)

'The cast are working extremely hard to ensure The Who fans will not be disappointed in this production, but will leave on a high.'

Last May Spotlight were given the rights by Pete Townshend's production Company to stage NK Theatre Arts, Romiley, musical production of the show. Since then Mr Osborne's production team have worked tirelessly to ensure the script and the band parts are in place.

Initially there were only keyboard and lead guitar parts available for the band.

However musical directors, Brian Parker and Simon Howe, have written the other missing parts and band rehearsals have been taking place since February.

Quadrophenia performers. Natasha Bird (Steph) & Brad Mercer (Jimmy) Pictures: Caroline Lawrence Photography (Image: Caroline Lawrence Photography)

'There will be a lot of Quadrophenia connoisseurs out there so we have to get it right' said Mr Howe.

This musical adaptation, set in 1964, follows the life of Jimmy Cooper, a young Mod taunted by his Egos 'Lunatic', 'Romantic' and 'Tough'.

A story of teenage angst, partying, riding scooters and brawling with Rockers! All Jimmy's dreams are shattered when he loses his girlfriend Steph to his best mate Dave and 'Ace Face' is found to be a hotel Bell-Boy.

Sponsored by AR Motorcycles Limited, Lowestoft, the five shows take place at the Public Hall, Beccles from June 27 to July 1, with curtain up at 7.30pm.

Quadrophenia. Andy Osborne (Show Director) Pictures: Caroline Lawrence Photography (Image: Caroline Lawrence Photography)

Tickets are available from the Public Hall box office on 01502 770060 or online via becclespublichall.com

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