Circuit Training 14: Crime Does Pay

It isn't something you hear often, but there's a positive side to ID theft. True, this upside usually only applies to people who enjoy sifting through other people's bins, but Bennett Aaron has also seen a silver lining to the big grey credit-stealing cloud. The Welsh comic had his identity stolen a few years back and was so hard-hit that he and the Mrs had to move back in with his folks, which doesn't sound like much fun so far, admittedly.

Since then, however, Aaron has enjoyed quite a profound career boost due to that financial misfortune. First he turned the story into an Edinburgh show, which attracted Channel 4's attention and led to an Aaron-directed documentary on the subject. He did then get a shakedown from the CID for stealing the then-Home Secretary's identity as an illustrative stunt, but it's all good material for an update of the stage show. It Wasn't Me It Was Bennett Aaron gets a nice two-week slot at Hampstead's New End theatre from late February. Cashback.

How bad did your identity issue become, and did you have any reservations about reliving it every night in Edinburgh?

It was scary. Things got pretty bad in as much as we lost almost everything and had to live with my parents, but going through it all again on stage is quite cathartic. Although I do still get emotional every time.

What's the oddest thing that was bought in your name? Did they ever catch the fake Bennett?

I did eventually find out how it was done and I tracked down the person - but you'll have to see the show to know more. There were things from as diverse places as a home shopping catalogue and Harrods...

I read a quote from Tom Wrigglesworth recently that people now think of him as a 'campaigning comedian' after his show about Virgin trains - have you noticed that too?

The only campaign I've pursued really is for the government and the police to understand how serious a crime ID theft is, how it can in no way be constituted as 'victimless.' I'm often called on for TV and radio interviews as an ID theft expert, which is something I never expected. But I'm always willing to talk about it, as it's important to me.

You've had a successful stage show and documentary off the back of the original incident - if you could go back in time and stop it happening now, would you?

That's the question. In a way I'd have to say yes. It was such a horrible, soul-destroying experience and one I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy - well, apart from the boy who used to bully me in school. And, in truth, the consequences of making the documentary are also something I'd happily avoid...

How did that documentary come about? Were there any further repercussions?

After Edinburgh I was approached by a production company who wanted to pitch it to Channel 4: as well as writing it I also wrote and directed it, something I'd never done before. It wasn't a happy process but I'm pleased with the eventual result, even though I had to fight all the way for almost every scene. At one point the programme was going to be banned, but was eventually allowed to be aired.

The dawn raid by CID was, obviously, unexpected, as I'd told the Home Office, Scotland Yard and the DVLA what I'd done. I'd be a rubbish criminal if I were to carry out a crime and then tell everyone. But the repercussions are still ongoing.

Did you have much joy getting stuff commissioned before the ID theft business? Is it easier to get meetings now?

Before the show I'd had several sitcom ideas commissioned to script stage, but none had been made. On one occasion they'd had two scripts on a similar theme, one written by myself and a fellow comedian, but they decided not to go with ours. Six months later, after the series they went with bombed, they wrote to us and said "we should have gone with yours." Thanks!

It may be easier to have meetings now but the commissioning is as hard as ever. I've just finished a sitcom pilot with Robin Ince which was commissioned by the BBC, so we're hoping that goes to series. And I've written my first novel, which is currently doing the rounds of publishers. I've been asked about other documentaries, but I've yet to find a subject matter that means as much to me.

Identity theft, then: it's hard to beat.

It Wasn't Me It Was Bennett Aaron is at Hampstead's New End Theatre from 27th February to 15th March 2010. See www.newendtheatre.co.uk for details.