Actresses complain they were tricked

Performers who responded to an advert seeking a cast for a ‘contemporary adult comedy in a decidedly British tongue-in-cheek style’ say they were shocked to find themselves confronted with sexually explicit material.

Production firm UK Comedy Export had advertised for people to take part in projects with the description: ‘Think along the lines of Little Britain, Peep Show, Star Stories and The Kevin Bishop Show – naughty but nice!’

The company, which works from behind a London-based PO Box number, was coy about exactly what sort of shows it made. But successful applicants were invited to ‘a face-to-face meeting with the production team, where you will be able to view samples of our work’.

According to three actresses, they were asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before being shown pornographic footage.

One unnamed actress, who spoke to The Stage newspaper, said: ‘In my mind, it was hardcore pornography. To say this is comedy is just ludicrous. This would not be aired on any terrestrial channel.’

Another said: ‘They had planted a seed in our minds that it was like Little Britain, which does have nudity. They sold it as risque comedy, but clean at heart.’

Acting union Equity says it has received a ‘handful’ of complaints about the company.

UK Comedy Export – whose website states that it only recruits actors over 18 - has not commented on the complaints.

Published: 4 Dec 2008