The full cast has been announced for The Battle, a new stage comedy by Sunday Times best-selling author John Niven, opening at Birmingham Rep on 11 February 2026 before moving to Manchester Opera House from 17 March.
Previously confirmed Mathew Horne will star as music executive Andy Ross in this darkly funny exploration of fame, ego and the cultural clashes of 1990s Britain.
Joining him are Brandon Bendell, Iona Champain, Harriet Cains, Billy Dunmore, Tommy Garside, George Greenland, Oscar Lloyd, Louisa Lytton, James Oates, Paddy Stafford, Will Taylor and George Usher, who makes his professional debut.
Directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story, The Pillowman), The Battle revisits the infamous Britpop chart war between Blur and Oasis, offering a satirical look at the chaos behind the Cool Britannia façade.
John Niven, best known for novels including Kill Your Friends, brings his insider knowledge of the music industry to the stage for the first time.
The creative team includes Fly Davis (Set and Costume Design), Jessica Hung Han Yun (Lighting Design), Ian Dickinson (Sound Design), Tal Rosner (Video Design) and Casting Director Claire Bleasdale.
Produced by Melting Pot, Birmingham Rep and Gavin Kalin, the play promises filthy language, razor-sharp dialogue and an electrifying dive into one of rock history’s greatest rivalries.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
