The Merger by Damian Callinan

Prolific and versatile comic actor Damien Callinan brings his sell out Melbourne International Comedy Festival show The Merger to Don Russell Performing Arts Centre on Friday 19 August at 8pm.

This hilarious and topical one man show - about a regional footy team's creative recruitment of new players to avoid folding - is the sequel to Callinan's multi-award winning Sportsman's Night. It is the third of his shows to be nominated for the prestigious Melbourne International Comedy Festival Barry Award.

The Merger has a story that rings true of contemporary and regional Australia. The Bodgy Creek Roosters footy team has too few players to field even one team. It will either have to fold or merge with its arch rivals The Hudson's Flat Redbacks. But prodigal son and Rousseau quoting coach Troy Carrington has other ideas.

To save the club and serve his socially aware agenda, he embarks on a program to recruit players from the Asylum Seekers Refuge Centre. Will the new players cope with pre-season training while fasting for Ramadan?

In this provocative and thoroughly entertaining show, Callinan tells the Roosters' story through the eyes of hilarious footy club members including Tu the Hmong flautist and boisterous brute Bull Barlow, the club president.

Callinan is an award-winning stand-up comic, TV sketch show star, broadcaster, director, actor and writer, who delights in creating and inhabiting the off beat world of ridiculous but sympathetic characters.

 His many media credits include Spicks n Specks, The Wedge, Comedy Slapdown, Melbourne Comedy Festival Gala, Before The Game, The Fat and various guest spots and co-hostings on Triple J, Mix FM and ABC Local Radio.

Admission is $29.90 standard, $25.50 concession and $21.80 for students or groups of 10 or more.

For bookings or information, please call 9493 4577 or visit www.gosnells.wa.gov.au and click on the Don Russell Performing Arts Centre link to buy tickets online.