Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.
Article Source: ATG
Last Updated: 9 July 2025 16:41
Glasgow’s Theatre Royal has announced initial casting for The Battle, a new comedy based (mostly) on real events, co-presented by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep. Actor and comedian, Mathew Horne (star of the beloved BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, The Catherine Tate Show and in the West End, productions of The Tempest and Noises Off) will play influential Britpop music executive, Andy Ross, caught in the crossfire of one of the most notorious rivalries in British music history.
Arriving in Glasgow from Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 May 2026 ahead of a major UK tour and a West End run, The Battle is a blistering and darkly funny exploration of fame, ego, and the cultural clashes of 1990s Britain. The Battle offers an electrifying window into a moment that defined a generation - and changed the face of British music forever. Tickets are on sale now via www.atgtickets.com
Mathew Horne will appear as Andy Ross until Saturday 30th May 2026.
Mathew says of joining the cast of the play: “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.”
Mathew is a British actor and writer. Best known for his portrayal of Gavin in the beloved BBC 1 show, Gavin and Stacey, he is a brilliant comedy performer with numerous credits to his name.
Theatre Credits Include: Endgame (Theatre Royal Bath), The Lover / The Collection (Theatre Royal Bath), Noises Off (Theatre Royal Haymarket), The Homecoming (Theatre Royal Bath & UK Tour), Rain Man (UK Tour), The Miser (Garrick), The Pride (Trafalgar Studios & UK Tour) and Charley’s Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory & Theatre Royal Bath).
Film Credits Include: Bad Education (Cavebear Productions), Breaking the Bank (BTB Productions Ltd.), Horrid Henry (Vertigo Films) and Vanity Fair (VF Films).
Television Credits Include: Gavin and Stacey (BBC), Dad’s Army: The Lost Episodes (UKTV), Agatha Raisin (Sky), Worried About The Boy (BBC Two), Chekhov: Comedy Shorts (Baby Cow / Sky Arts), Catherine Tate’s Nan (Tiger Aspect) and Bad Education (BBC Three).
Reliving the heady summer of 1995 when heavyweights of Britpop, Blur and Oasis, went head-to-head in the greatest chart battle of all time, The Battle is the first stage play by screenwriter and Sunday Times best-selling novelist John Niven Best known for his razor-sharp novels including Kill Your Friends and The Second Coming, John Niven brings his uncompromising voice to the stage for the first time. The Battle draws on his deep insider knowledge of the music industry, shining a satirical light on the chaos behind the cool Britannia façade. The Battle is directed by Matthew Dunster (2:22 A Ghost Story, The Pillowman).
London, 1995. Two of the country’s biggest bands release singles on the same day, commencing the battle of Britpop. On one side, clean-cut, art-school intellectuals from the South. On the other: raw and unapologetic lads from the North. Rivalries flare, friendships fracture and at the centre of it all a mania that would define an era – were you Blur or Oasis?
From the chaos of the Brit Awards to the infamous chart war, The Battle is a wickedly funny dive into one of the greatest rivalries in rock history. Featuring legendary personalities and unforgettable clashes, it was never just about the music, but power, pride, and uncontrollable competitiveness. 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. Get ready to roll with it.
The creative team also includes Fly Davis as Set and Costume Designer, Jessica Hung Han Yun as Lighting Designer, Ian Dickinson as Sound Designer, Tal Rosner as Video Designer and Casting Director, Claire Bleasdale.
The Battle is produced by Melting Pot, Birmingham Rep and Gavin Kalin.
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Glasgow Libraries launch Wintering Well boxes to tackle SAD this winter
Glasgow Life Libraries is launching a wellbeing initiative encouraging people in Glasgow to borrow a Wintering Well Box from their local library.
READ MORE
Go Radio Football Show kicks off on YouTube
Go Radio is excited to announce that the hugely popular Go Radio Football Show is now streaming live on YouTube.
READ MORE
Doddie Beir kicks off at Aldi in supermarket exclusive ahead of Six Nations Championship
The special-edition craft beer from Cold Town Beer raises vital funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, supporting its mission to find a cure for MND.
READ MORE
Mood boosting yoga session coming to sky high bar in Glasgow on Blue Monday
A stunning top floor bar and restaurant in Glasgow is giving people the chance to rise above the January blues with a free mood-boosting yoga class in the sky.
READ MORE
Clyde 1 moving back into Glasgow city centre after 42 years
After more than four decades in Clydebank, Clyde 1 is returning to Glasgow's city centre, moving into an iconic new home at 100 Queen Street in Spring 2026.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn stages Celtic Connections highest ever gig on a Munro summit
Innis & Gunn has partnered with Celtic Connections to stage the highest gig in the festival's history, with a live performance on the summit of Ben Lomond in winter.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries Christmas Cracker takes Childrens Hospital Charity guest donations to more than 100K
Charity donations from generous Christmas shoppers at Buchanan Galleries helped amass an impressive £66,000 during the festive season alone!
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin
Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.
READ MORE
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
Scottish actor Joe McFadden to lead acclaimed stage adaptation of The Shawshank Redemption at the Theatre Royal Glasgow
The Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce that The Shawshank Redemption, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Stephen King's 1982 novella, will come to the venue in March!
READ MORE
16.5 million visits make 2025 best year yet for Silverburn
Silverburn has welcomed a record 16.5 million visits over the past year, marking 2025 as its busiest year to date and underlining its status as Scotland's leading shopping and leisure destination.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2026 to open with UK Premiere of Everybody To Kenmure Street
A documentary about one of Scotland's most spontaneous and successful acts of civil resistance in recent memory will open Glasgow Film Festival's 22nd edition on 25th February!
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Calling all Gingers!
The IRN-BRU Carnival is showing appreciation to any fellow fiery headed pals by offering a bonus ride voucher to anyone visiting with ginger hair on Sunday 11th January!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Full casting announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical
Full casting has been announced for Legally Blonde: The Musical which will have its Scottish premiere at The King's Theatre Glasgow in April!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Silverburn expands leisure offering with new Pilates studio
Silverburn guests can kick-start their 2026 wellness journey with the arrival of the first Haus of Pilates studio.
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Christmas has come early! Glasgow youngster wins the entire DreamToys list in national competition
One very lucky youngster from Glasgow has been crowned the winner of an incredible festive giveaway – taking home all 15 toys featured on this year's coveted DreamToys list.
READ MORE
Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year
Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!
READ MORE
The River Inn launches dream wedding reception giveaway worth thousands
One lucky couple to win a luxury wedding reception for up to 100 guests... completely free!
READ MORE
Christmas Carol Goes Wrong crashes into the Kings Theatre Glasgow
Multi-award winning company Mischief return to the King's Theatre Glasgow with their new stage show – Christmas Carol Goes Wrong!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links