Theatre presents world premiere of new comedy stage play

Birmingham Rep has announced a world premiere production of The Battle – the first stage play by screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven.

The play is a new comedy based mostly on real events - 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.

Directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story, The Pillowman), The Battle opens at Birmingham Rep on Wednesday 11 February 2026, ahead of a major UK tour, prior to the West End. 

Co-producer and artistic director of the Birmingham Rep 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."

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.

Audience can 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.

Writer John Niven said: “1995: a time long before music splintered into a billion different Tik Tok feeds.

“When music was so central to the culture that two pop groups could dominate the entire summer, the evening news and the front page of every newspaper in the country.

“We're going to take you back there. I've never written for the stage before, and it has been an absolute blast to do so for the first time with a producer as supportive as Simon and a director as talented as Matthew.”

Director Matthew Dunster said: “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.”

Further cast and creatives to be announced. Public Booking opens today, Fri 2 May at 10am.