The Melbourne Theatre Company is about to broaden its audience by tapping into Melbourne's large community of Australian Rules Football fans. Their upcoming production of David Williamson's The Club not only commemorates the play's 21st anniversary but also offers the company an opportunity to seek ticket sales far beyond its subscriber base.

The Club is one of Williamson's earlier plays which helped establish him as one of Australia's leading writers during the 1970's. Based on the intrigue of a prominent football club, the play not only studies the politics and business of sport but also offers a revealing study of male relationships. A critical and public success, the play transferred to the West End and was also made into a film in 1980.

The MTC have also chosen to cast their production with actors who have a public appeal through their work on television, including John Wood, Max Gillies and most notably Gary Sweet. Also in the cast are Vince Colosimo and Jeremy Stanford, known for his work in the musicals Buddy, Hello, Dolly! and Sweet Charity.

The Club opens at the Playhouse on May 12 with the promise of an opening night audience studded with local football heroes. Bookings on (61-3)13 61 66.

-- By Russell Watson