Blur vs Oasis

In the summer of 1995, British pop culture hit fever pitch as two musical giants, Blur and Oasis, collided in what became the most notorious chart face-off of the decade. Directed by Matthew Dunster and co-produced by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep, The Battle is a new comedy by author John Niven based on that explosive chart battle. Following its premiere in Birmingham, the play hits the road on tour across the UK in 2026.

What's It About?

With their single releases timed to drop on the same day, the battle lines were drawn: Oasis, the voice of the working class North, versus Blur, the art-school South. The media and tabloids stoked the flames, fans chose sides, and what began as a clash over record sales spiraled into a full-blown cultural moment. Are you ready to pick a side?