Mathew Horne to star in Britpop comedy play
- Touring comedy play The Battle will focus on the 1990s rivalry between Blur and Oasis
- Running from February to August 2026, Gavin & Stacey star Mathew Horne will appear until 30th May
- Written by novelist John Niven, it is described as "a blistering and darkly funny exploration of fame, ego, and the cultural clashes of 1990s Britain"
Mathew Horne will star in The Battle, a new touring comedy play based on the rivalry between Blur and Oasis.
The Gavin & Stacey star will take on the role of music executive Andy Ross who is "caught in the crossfire of one of the most notorious rivalries in British music history".
Opening at Birmingham Rep on Wednesday 11th February ahead of a UK tour and a West End run, The Battle is described as "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".
Horne, who will appear in the production until 30th May, says: "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."
The play's producers - Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep - explain: "Reliving the heady summer of 1995 when heavyweights of Britpop, Blur and Oasis, went head-to-head in the greatest chart battle of all time, The Battle is the first stage play by screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven.
"Best known for his razor-sharp novels including Kill Your Friends and The Second Coming, John Niven brings his uncompromising voice to the stage for the first time. The Battle draws on his deep insider knowledge of the music industry, shining a satirical light on the chaos behind the cool Britannia façade."
The synopsis for the play explains: "London, 1995. Two of the country's biggest bands release singles on the same day, commencing the battle of Britpop. On one side, clean-cut, art-school intellectuals from the South. On the other: raw and unapologetic lads from the North. Rivalries flare, friendships fracture and at the centre of it all a mania that would define an era - were you Blur or Oasis?
"From the chaos of the BRIT Awards to the infamous chart war, The Battle is a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history. Featuring legendary personalities and unforgettable clashes, it was never just about the music, but power, pride, and uncontrollable competitiveness. Expect filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue in this cut-throat new comedy that puts you right at the heart of the feuding, the fame, and the fallout. Get ready to roll with it."
Further casting will be announced in due course. A full list of dates are below, with tickets available via thebattleplay.com
2026 dates
Birmingham Rep: Wednesday 11 February - Saturday 7 March
Leicester, Curve Theatre: Tuesday 10 - Saturday 14 March
Manchester, Opera House: Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 March
Bromley, Churchill Theatre: Tuesday 24 - Saturday 28 March
Woking, New Victoria Theatre: Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April
Cheltenham, Everyman Theatre: Tuesday 14 - Saturday 19 April
Edinburgh, Festival Theatre: Tuesday 21 April - Saturday 25 April
Cardiff, Wales Millennium Centre: Tuesday 28 April - Saturday 2 May
Sheffield, Lyceum Theatre: Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 May
London, Richmond Theatre: Tuesday 19 - Saturday 23 May
Glasgow, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 26 May - Saturday 30 May
York, Grand Opera House: Tuesday 9 - Saturday 13 June
Norwich, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 June
Nottingham, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 23 - Saturday 27 June
Milton Keynes Theatre: Tuesday 30 June - Saturday 4 July
Newcastle, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 7 - Saturday 11 July
Brighton, Theatre Royal: Tuesday 14 - Saturday 18 July
Chester, Storyhouse Theatre: Tuesday 28 July - Saturday 1 August