My Sexual Abuse: The Sitcom

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Sociopolitical Documentary hosted by Mark O Sullivan, published by Channel 4 in 2024 - English narration

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Following writer and comedian Mark O'Sullivan as he creates a sitcom about the sexual abuse he survived as a child, and the court case that led to the conviction of the man who abused him. Charting the writing, rehearsals and eventual filming of an episode of the 1980s-style family sitcom in front of a studio audience, the documentary explores why Mark has chosen to deal with his abuse in this way, and asks whether comedy really can be used to confront some of the worst parts of the human experience. As the sitcom begins to take shape with an all-star cast including Cariad Lloyd, Rufus Jones, Ellie Taylor and Sam Underwood, Mark reveals his daring decision to play a 12-year-old version of himself, and the unusual portrayal of the paedophile. Mark delves into his past, meeting a range of people who help him understand what he went through as a child - from a friend of his late parents to a psychotherapist and his wife Jenny. Through these encounters, Mark also examines what happened when, as an adult, he revealed the abuse to his family, the court case that took place when Mark was in his thirties, and the ways that being a survivor of abuse continues to shape his life and mental health. With his comedy partner and best friend, Miles Chapman, Mark weighs the role of humour in dealing with trauma, and with fellow abuse survivor, broadcaster and comedian Iain Lee, Mark is challenged about what he's doing and why. Culminating in the studio recording of the sitcom in front of a live audience.