The Battle – Brilliant Britpop Nostalgia
1995. Britpop was at its height and, for one Summer only, the only question on the lips of the nation’s youth was ‘are you Blur or Oasis?’ Not since the heady days of The Beatles and the Stones had two bands dominated the charts and the headlines, and their rivalry became almost legendary, North against South, a class battle between the Middle Class Blur and the proudly working class Oasis. It culminated in ‘the battle’ for the number one slot in August 1995. This story is told, in often hilarious style in ‘The Battle’, which had its press night at the Birmingham Rep last night and received a standing ovation for its unique retelling of a cultural phenomenon.
Credit and Copyright: Helen Murray
The play starts at the Brit Awards in early 1995. Blur win four, much to the chagrin of Oasis, particularly their oafish front man Liam Gallagher, who plots to pull Damon’s girlfriend (Elastica singer Justine Frischmann) as a revenge – it doesn’t happen. Round one to Blur then, but Oasis then level the score by getting a number one before Blur (the glorious Some Might Say, what a song). At the celebration party Blur are welcomed by Noel, but Liam virtually declares war on the Southern band. That Summer, the battle lines are drawn when Blur, or at least lead singer Damon and manager Alan Ross, decide to release their single Country House on the same day as Oasis plan to release Roll With It. Who will be the victor in the battle, but, more importantly, who will win the war?
Credit and Copyright: Helen Murray
The Battle is clever and funny, and boasts some great performances. George Usher is an hilariously stupid Liam, oafish, misogynist and homophobic, he reduces everything to a basic level – swear words, insults and childish behaviour. Paddy Stafford as Noel is uncannily like him, more intelligent that Liam, but still prone to letting his mouth run away with him. Oscar Lloyd is a charismatic Damon, always more charming than his Northern counterparts, but also a little bit condescending, not just to Oasis, but to his bandmate Alex (Brandon Bendall in a very funny performance). The scene stealing Will Taylor is just brilliant as Graham Coxon, the one person who seems to regret every bit of stardom, especially The Battle (the scene filming the Country House video is one of the best in the show.)
Credit and Copyright: Helen Murray
Mathew Horne is very good as Andy Ross, underplaying the role until his final scene, whilst Louisa Lytton and Harriet Cains add some balance, and sanity as Meg and Justine.
The Battle is brilliantly staged, with the use of video, both from the time, and animation showing key DJ’s including Chris Evans and Jo Whiley, totally adding to the nostalgic feel of the whole piece.
The Battle is a must see. Very sweary, very funny, a glorious slice of 90’s Britpop Nostalgia.
Credit and Copyright: Helen Murray
Oh…and just for the record, team Oasis all the way!
THE BATTLE
Click here for ticket information
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