The Battle, a new comedy play based (mostly) on real events, is the first stage play by screenwriter and novelist John Niven.
Directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story, The Pillowman), The Battle opens at Birmingham Rep on Wednesday 11th February 2026 ahead of a major UK tour, prior to the West End.
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.
“I remember the Battle of the Bands. I remember the charts that week. Music mattered. I remember being in my twenties in 1995. What a wild time. Full of energy, naughtiness and hilarity. Just like John Niven’s play. I’m so delighted to be working with John on such a punchy, hilarious and revealing comedy about two of the best bands of all time, Blur and Oasis.” – Director, Matthew Dunster
“Throughout my sister’s teenage years, she had an enormous poster of Damon Albarn on her wall, and I remember her falling out with friends over which band they loved more. Ever since, this story has been in the back of my mind, and I was delighted that John Niven agreed to write it because there is no more qualified or hilarious chronicler of this world, and combined with Matthew Dunster directing, we have a fearless team recreating the sweaty mid-‘90s carnage of The Battle of Britpop.” – Producer, Simon Friend
THE BATTLE – 2026 TOUR DATES
Birmingham Rep
Wednesday 11 February – Saturday 7 March
Leicester, Curve Theatre
Tuesday 9 – 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
Ipswich, Regent Theatre
Tuesday 12 – Saturday 16 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
Additional information
John Niven worked in the music industry for ten years before becoming a novelist and screenwriter. His last book, O Brother, was a Sunday Times bestseller. It was shortlisted for The Gordon Burn prize and Scotland’s National Book Award. His screen credits include Kill Your Friends, The Trip and How To Build A Girl. He grew up in Ayrshire and now lives in Buckinghamshire. The Battle is his first stage play.
Matthew Dunster is a theatre and film director and writer. He was born and raised in Oldham and now lives in South East London. Previously an actor, he has directed or written over sixty theatre shows, often with major national companies (including RSC, NT, Royal Court, Young Vic, Royal Exchange, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Bridge), as well as directing on the West End, Broadway and internationally. He has been the Associate Director of The Young Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe.
His most recent productions include: 2:22 A Ghost Story, which ran in the West End for 694 performances; Shirley Valentine and The Pillowman, both at The Duke Of Yorks; The Homecoming at the Young Vic and Dealer’s Choice at The Donmar. Matthew has been nominated for four Olivier Awards and his Broadway production of Hangmen was nominated for five Tony’s. In Autumn 2025, he will direct Conor McPherson’s stage adaptation of The Hunger Games.
