Although Victorian Opera frequently explores beyond the operatic canon, The Who’s Tommy may be its boldest step beyond the likes of Verdi and Mozart yet. It’s not without precedent, however, as UK band The Who performed their 1969 rock-opera concept album Tommy at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1970, and Seattle Opera presented the first staged production a year later.

Mat Verevis and the cast of The Who’s Tommy, Victorian Opera, 2022. Photo © Jeff Busby

This Australian premiere production, directed by Roger Hodgman, is based on the 1992 Broadway musical written by the genius behind the album, Pete Townshend, and theatre director Des McAnuff. It’s much more rock than opera, the story remains a bizarre fable inspired by Eastern mysticism and sixties psychedelia, and on opening night the amplification seemed to be turned up to 11, so even adventurous Victorian Opera audiences may struggle with it. For fans of The Who, however, this minimalist production’s talented cast and tight band makes Tommy a must-see.

The title character is the child of World War II POW Captain Walker, who kills his wife’s lover after unexpectedly returning to England....