The Battle at Birmingham Rep

Listed in The Telegraph as one of the best plays to book now!

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.

Directed by Matthew Dunster (Listed in The Stage’s 100 2026, director of 2:22 A Ghost Story and The Hunger Games: on Stage) and starring Mathew Horne (Gavin and Stacey) as the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands and Louisa Lytton (Eastenders, 2:22 A Ghost Story) as Meg.