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BLUR vs OASIS: The Battle Arrives at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre

Britpop Comes to Cheltenham: The Battle Hits the Everyman Theatre in April 2026

The much-anticipated new comedy The Battle, written by acclaimed novelist and screenwriter John Niven and directed by Olivier Award nominee Matthew Dunster, is set to arrive at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham from Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April 2026 as part of a major UK tour.

Inspired by (mostly) true events, The Battle dives headfirst into the infamous summer of 1995, when Britpop giants Blur and Oasis went head-to-head in what would become the most iconic chart war in British music history. Through razor-sharp dialogue and laugh-out-loud chaos, the play captures a moment when music dominated headlines and split the nation in two.

Audiences in Cheltenham can expect a riotous blend of music, nostalgia and rivalry. Set against the backdrop of a culturally explosive time, The Battle explores fame, ego and the lengths bands will go to rule the airwaves. John Niven’s stage debut brings this chaotic era to life with biting wit and a soundtrack of legendary attitudes.

“1995: a time long before music splintered into a billion TikTok feeds. When music was so central to the culture that two pop groups could dominate the entire summer,” says Niven. “We're going to take you back there.”

Director Matthew Dunster adds, “I remember the Battle of the Bands. Music mattered. Just like John Niven’s play, it was wild, hilarious and full of energy.”

From award-winning producers Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep, The Battle is gearing up to be one of the most talked-about new plays of 2026 – and Cheltenham audiences will have the chance to experience it before it hits the West End.