MICF 2010: The Merger - Sportsman's Night 2

This one-man show about footy and compassion is a sequel to Callinan’s Barry Award-nominated 2001 production Sportsman’s Night, and again sees him playing multiple roles, including the blustering club President of the Bodgy Creek Roosters, Bull Barlow; the club’s Captain Coach Troy Carrington; and aspiring young filmmaker Neil Barlow, through whose lens we see much of the show unfold.

Things are looking bad for the Roosters, who have won Carbon Neutral Football Club of the Year but are struggling to field a team. Can an influx of new blood save them from the ignominious fate of a merger with traditional rivals, Hudson’s Flat?

A versatile performer with a great grasp of stage craft, Callinan acknowledges his audience without bullying or humiliating them. The show’s structure is slightly repetitive, but Callinan’s comedy skills shine through, resulting in a compelling production which will be enjoyed by fans of footy and social justice alike.

Three and half stars

Damian Callinan - The Merger: Sportsman's Night 2
Melbourne Town Hall until April 17
Tue-Sat 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
$18 - $22

This review first appeared in The Age.