The Battle of Britpop: A Hilarious New Comedy Tour Set for 2026
- Comedy in Your Eye
- May 2
- 3 min read
The Battle, a new comedy that dives into the legendary rivalry between Britpop giants Oasis and Blur, is set to embark on a major UK tour in 2026. This production promises to deliver a wickedly funny exploration of one of music history's most iconic feuds, with a narrative that captures the essence of the 1995 chart battle.
Key Takeaways
Premiere Date: Opens on 11 February 2026 at Birmingham Rep.
Tour Locations: Will visit 15 cities across the UK.
Creative Team: Written by John Niven and directed by Matthew Dunster.
Themes: Explores the cultural impact of the Britpop rivalry.
Overview of The Battle
The Battle is the first stage play by best-selling novelist John Niven, known for his sharp wit and insight into the music industry. The comedy is set against the backdrop of the summer of 1995, a pivotal time in British music when Blur and Oasis released singles on the same day, igniting a fierce competition that captivated the nation.
The production is co-presented by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep, and it promises to be a riotous experience filled with humour, memorable characters, and the chaotic energy of the Britpop era. Audiences can expect a mix of filthy language and razor-sharp dialogue as they are taken back to a time when music dominated the cultural landscape.
Tour Schedule
The Battle will kick off its tour at Birmingham Rep and will include stops at various theatres across the UK. Here’s a breakdown of the tour dates:
Date | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|
11 Feb - 7 Mar 2026 | Birmingham | Birmingham Rep |
9 - 14 Mar 2026 | Leicester | Curve Theatre |
17 - 21 Mar 2026 | Manchester | Opera House |
24 - 28 Mar 2026 | Bromley | Churchill Theatre |
31 Mar - 4 Apr 2026 | Woking | New Victoria Theatre |
14 - 19 Apr 2026 | Cheltenham | Everyman Theatre |
21 - 25 Apr 2026 | Edinburgh | Festival Theatre |
28 Apr - 2 May 2026 | Cardiff | Wales Millennium Centre |
5 - 9 May 2026 | Sheffield | Lyceum Theatre |
12 - 16 May 2026 | Ipswich | Regent Theatre |
19 - 23 May 2026 | London | Richmond Theatre |
26 - 30 May 2026 | Glasgow | Theatre Royal |
9 - 13 Jun 2026 | York | Grand Opera House |
16 - 20 Jun 2026 | Norwich | Theatre Royal |
23 - 27 Jun 2026 | Nottingham | Theatre Royal |
30 Jun - 4 Jul 2026 | Milton Keynes | Theatre |
7 - 11 Jul 2026 | Newcastle | Theatre Royal |
14 - 18 Jul 2026 | Brighton | Theatre Royal |
28 Jul - 1 Aug 2026 | Chester | Storyhouse Theatre |
Creative Team Insights
John Niven, the writer, expressed his excitement about bringing this story to the stage, stating, "1995 was a time when music was central to culture, and two pop groups could dominate the entire summer. We’re going to take you back there."
Director Matthew Dunster added, "I remember the Battle of the Bands. Music mattered. This play is a punchy, hilarious, and revealing comedy about two of the best bands of all time."
The production is set to be a nostalgic trip for those who lived through the Britpop era, as well as an engaging introduction for new audiences. With its unique blend of comedy and music history, The Battle is poised to be a highlight of the 2026 theatre season.
Sources
Oasis vs Blur Britpop comedy The Battle to tour the UK, WhatsOnStage.
New Oasis vs. Blur comedy The Battle to tour the UK prior to the West End, West End Theatre.
