The Battle: Britpop Rivalry Oasis Vs Blur Comes to the Stage in 2026
The highly anticipated stage comedy The Battle, written by best-selling author and screenwriter John Niven, will take audiences on a wild ride through the chaotic summer of 1995 when the Britpop giants, Blur and Oasis, clashed in one of the greatest chart battles of all time. The show is set to make its world premiere as part of a major UK tour, starting at the Birmingham Rep before heading to multiple cities across the UK in 2026.
Artwork for The Battle supplied by the production.
About The Play: A Comedy Based on Real Events
The Battle relives the fierce rivalry between Blur and Oasis, who released their singles on the same day in 1995, igniting a media frenzy. On one side, you had Blur, the art-school intellectuals from the South, and on the other, Oasis, the raw and unapologetic lads from the North. The rivalry wasn’t just about music; it was about power, pride, and a fierce competition that would shape the cultural landscape of the 1990s.
The show takes audiences into the heart of the battle, showcasing the mania and the unforgettable clashes between the two bands, their fans, and the media. It’s a wickedly funny exploration of fame, rivalry, and how the media fueled one of the biggest musical moments in history. Expect sharp dialogue, filthy language, and a sense of nostalgia for one of the defining periods of modern British music.
The Creative Team Behind The Battle
The Battle marks the first stage play by John Niven, who previously worked in the music industry and wrote hits such as Kill Your Friends and How To Build A Girl. Niven’s writing brings a sharp wit to the stage, capturing the rivalry with humor and energy. Director Matthew Dunster, known for his work on 2:22 A Ghost Story and Hangmen, brings his signature blend of edgy humor and emotional depth to the production.
The production also features a talented creative team, with Fly Davis designing the set and costumes, Jessica Hung Han Yun responsible for lighting design, and Ian Dickinson providing the sound design. Tal Rosner is on video design, and Claire Bleasdale is the casting director.
Cast and Performances
The cast for The Battle brings together a strong ensemble of performers, all of whom embody the personalities and antics of the famous figures from the Britpop era. The cast includes:
Shobna Gulati as Sue
Reece Dinsdale as Howard
Natalie Davies as Additional Cast
Dean Smith as Additional Cast
Everal A Walsh as Additional Cast
The show will be touring various cities across the UK, kicking off in Birmingham before heading to Leicester, Manchester, Bromley, Woking, and many more.
Tour Dates and Locations
The Battle will have its world premiere at Birmingham Rep, running from Tuesday 3 March to Saturday 7 March 2026. Afterward, it will embark on a nationwide tour that includes stops in:
Leicester Curve Theatre: 10-14 March
Manchester Opera House: 17-21 March
Bromley Churchill Theatre: 24-28 March
Woking New Victoria Theatre: 31 March-4 April
Cheltenham Everyman Theatre: 14-18 April
Edinburgh Festival Theatre: 21-25 April
Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre: 28 April-2 May
Sheffield Lyceum Theatre: 5-9 May
Ipswich Regent Theatre: 12-16 May
London Richmond Theatre: 19-23 May
Glasgow Theatre Royal: 26-30 May
York Grand Opera House: 9-13 June
Norwich Theatre Royal: 16-20 June
Nottingham Theatre Royal: 23-27 June
Milton Keynes Theatre: 30 June-4 July
Newcastle Theatre Royal: 7-11 July
Brighton Theatre Royal: 14-18 July
Chester Storyhouse Theatre: 28 July-1 August
A Celebration of Britpop Rivalry and Culture
The Battle is not just a show; it’s a celebration of one of the most iconic musical moments in British history. As the rivalry between Blur and Oasis reaches its peak, the play explores the personalities behind the music and the era-defining influence they had. It’s a chance to relive the rivalry, the songs, and the controversy that defined a generation.
So get ready to roll with it, and don’t miss The Battle when it comes to a theatre near you. The rivalry is about to hit the stage!
Book Tickets for The Battle
Tickets for The Battle are on sale now for various venues across the UK. Don’t miss out on this exhilarating comedy about one of the greatest rivalries in modern British music.
