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If the 60's were a real blur for you then there's a chance you can find out what life was like with this Plymouth Theatre Royal production of Pete Townshend's tribute to the era, Quadrophenia.

But be warned: this stage show, which launches in Plymouth in May 2009, is nothing like the film - a fact that David Miller, the production manager at the theatre's TR2 rehearsal space, is keen to point out.

"It's categorically not a musical version of the film, but a much more faithful tribute to the Who's 1973 album," David told BBC Devon.

"It's a stage adaptation of all the themes which are explored on the album."

And Quadrophenia, for many, was seen as a real coming of age. 

An image which captures the stage production

The songs follow the disillusioned and damaged youth Jimmy The Mod, who wallowed in angst and peer pressure, but wanted to find some meaning to his life.

They chart a route which leads Jimmy from London to Brighton on a quest, battling with his demons - something which was all too familiar with The Who's Pete Townshend.

The masterpiece he created, with songs like 5.15, Bell Boy, Love, Reign O'er Me and The Real Me all show Jimmy's different personalities, which some say reflect the individual band members themselves.

Now - some 36 years later - the music is as relevant today as it was then.

David Miller has been pals with Quadrophenia director Tom Critchley for more than 20 years and has been aware of his connection with Pete Townshend too.

Getting Quadrophenia off the ground hasn't come as a surprise to David, but logistically it has been a long time in the making.

"Everything just sort of fell into place when Tom approached the theatre's chief exec to ask for his support. Now, a few years down the line, we're here putting the show together for its opening in May."

The stage is built in TR2's massive hangar

The cast are all in their 20's and look as fit as fiddles - they have to be because of the demands of the show - fast and furious, with masses of energy.

The huge workshops where the sets are being made at TR2 in Plymouth highlight the full scale of the requirements needed to make this production a success.

In a building the size of an aircraft hangar (20m wide, 50m long, 10m high), a huge steel structure is assembled on the floor. 

This is where the revolving stage begins its life before it's taken to pieces time and time again in various theatres around Britain.

The TR2 crew also have to put together a special bandstand for the back of the stage which will actually house the real band playing the Who's songs each night until the end of the UK tour in October.

Kate Holliday is head of props at TR2. Her mammoth task is to make something which can be destroyed night after night and then put back together again so it looks brand new.

A smashing time

It's not an easy task when you have to break up a Gibson guitar or smash up an original 1960's Vespa scooter. 

One of the props which has to fall over each night

But there are tricks of the trade and Kate confesses the props department does use a lot of magnets!

"The Gibson has to break 140 times, but still be reusable at the end of the show each night.

"We think we might have to re-mould the body of the guitar in something soft and have it hinged so it can only break in one place, with any luck."

The Gibson was a donation from the Guitar company but the black Hackney taxi has had to be specially made and is literally a climbing frame shaped like a cab with real wheels, lights, seats and a bonnet.

David says: "Because this show is touring weekly, getting a taxi in and out of trailers on a Saturday night was a non-starter, so we had to come up with an alternative."

It's not just about the performers and their hard work in learning the songs and dance routines, but the many people who work behind the scenes to get a gig like this on the road.

So if you want to cast your mind back, reminisce, or, just get lost in some classic sounds, grab your parka and book a seat.

Quadrophenia
Theatre Royal Plymouth
9-16 May 2009
Tickets: £10 - £29.50
Box Office: 01752 267222
www.theatreroyal.com