A new theatrical comedy about the chart battle between Blur and Oasis will star Matthew Horne – best known for his leading role in Gavin and Stacey.
Opening at Birmingham Rep in February 2026 ahead of a major UK tour and a West End run, The Battle is a blistering and darkly funny exploration of fame, ego, and the cultural clashes of 1990s Britain. The Battle offers an electrifying window into a moment that defined a generation – and changed the face of British music forever.
The play is written by John Niven and directed by Matthew Dunster and is a joint production between Melting Pot, Birmingham rep and Gavin Kalin.
Mathew Horne said the subject matter was one close to his heart.: “This play is right in the sweet spot of my teenage cultural experience. I’m thrilled to be exploring this iconic era in music on stage with such a talented creative team involved.”
Co-Producer and Rep Artistic Director Joe Murphy, said: “Bringing the World Premiere of The Battle to The Rep is genuinely so exciting. This chart battle rocked the nation and quite literally defined a generation and I already know that our audiences are going to have the time of their lives being taken back to the rivalries, the chaos and the big personalities that made it all so unforgettable.”
https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/news/mathew-horne-to-enter-the-ring-of-the-battle
