It has been announced that Mathew Horne will star in new Britpop comedy play 'The Battle' which will premiere at Birmingham's The Rep Theatre in February 2026. The show will then undertake a major UK tour, visiting 18 locations in total including Manchester, Sheffield, Edinburgh, Richmond, Newcastle and Brighton.
Set in London in 1995, the play begins on the day the country's biggest bands, Blur and Oasis, release their new singles, commencing the biggest battle for No. 1 in music history. It is described as "a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history...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".
Mathew will play Andy Ross, the Britpop music executive caught in the crossfire between the two bands. He will play the role up to and including Glasgow at the end of May. The tour will continue until 1st August, before a West End run (dates to be announced).
Commenting on the role, he said: “This play is right in the sweet spot of my teenage cultural experience. I’m thrilled to be exploring this iconic era in music on stage with such a talented creative team involved.”
The Battle is the debut play from Scottish author and former music industry executive John Niven. Olivier nominated Matthew Dunster will direct.
Tickets for all dates are on sale now.
Watch the preview trailer.
Click to see Mathew Horne's profile page and hear his voiceover showreel. He is available for voiceovers exclusively from Anthea Represents.
