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THE BATTLE - BLUR VS OASIS
*** RIVALRY IN THE 90’s - THE BATTLE PACKS A WITTY BLOW ***
Tonight we popped on our Parkas & went over to witness THE BATTLE at Manchester’s Opera House. The intense tale of BLUR VS OASIS battling the illusive #1 back in 1995. It’s a 2026 comedy play written by John Niven and directed by Matthew Dunster, focusing on the intense 1995 Britpop chart rivalry between Blur and Oasis.
Niven’s writing is punchy, witty and on occasion - charming. We were zapped into the Chris Evans TFI Friday night must watch telly, 18:30 with smoking pop stars and foul-mouthed shock tactics….. & we loved it! This was pre full on internet shenanigans. So, we can forgive Blur for riding a pig around and the benny hill style antics of Country house!
In association with The Birmingham Rep you need to prepare yourself for more expletives than are in the Jerry Springer Opera!
Of course, this reviewer used to take extended lunch breaks at college to head into Northwich town centre record stores and buy the latest cd singles. We were 50/50 when it came to Blur & Oasis…. & ultimately it was a certain kooky Jarvis Cocker & his merry men in Pulp that soundtracked my 90’s youth.
This show is jam packed with 90’s nostalgia. Do you feel like you’re with the Bands arguing at The Brits - absolutely. Are you routing for Blur or Oasis ? I kept asking myself - Is there enough of a story here to really keep audiences engaged?
PADDY STAFFORD plays Noel Gallagher who fills his swagger and gob with ease. GEORGE USHER is Liam and is equally swagger-full trying to keep his bro calm. Our stand out performance was OSCAR LLOYD as Damon. His hyper realistic performance was tonally perfect.
We wanted more from MATHEW HORNE who portrays Andy Ross - a manager trying to keep everything happening amongst the tantrums behind the scenes.
As ever it’s great to see new work. We felt this needed more work shopping being totally honest. Maybe it would work best as a one act play?
It’s a 2** from Manchester Theatrical for this 90’s trip down memory lane, playing until 21st March.
book via below:
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-battle/opera-house-manchester/
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