Comedians Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson, who perform under the joint moniker Britney, have landed major roles in upcoming US-produced comedy series, according to recent casting announcements. Clive was cast as Steve Carell’s professor daughter in the HBO campus comedy Rooster, while Robertson secured the role of Rachel Weisz’s lawyer daughter in Netflix’s Vladimir, both of which debuted to enthusiastic reviews and millions of views in March.
From Sketch Roots to International Screens
The duo, both 33, have spent a decade performing sketch comedy together and previously shared a flat for almost as long. According to Robertson, discovering their simultaneous castings on a rooftop over a bottle of wine was “bonkers.” Clive, however, noted she felt unsurprised by their success after years of small television roles, including Clive starring in the Channel 4 drama Pure in 2019.
Despite their rising profiles, the pair are not abandoning their live sketch work. According to their festival schedule, Britney will take two shows to the Edinburgh Fringe: the sketch show Holy Mackerel! at the Pleasance Courtyard and a Robertson-penned play titled Jitters at Summerhall, where Clive plays her comedy partner’s stepmum-to-be.
Did you know? Clive and Robertson first met in year nine on a school coach trip to World War I battlefields in Ypres, Belgium, before forming their double act years later.
Navigating Cross-Atlantic Opportunities
When discussing why British actors frequently land prominent roles in US productions, Robertson suggested to interviewers that American networks might find UK talent more affordable. Clive joked in response that she would work for free. Beyond budgets, Clive noted that US television executives appear more willing to take creative risks compared to a risk-averse domestic TV landscape.
The duo’s previous theatrical work includes Britney, a hit Edinburgh Fringe show based on Clive’s diagnosis with a brain tumour. The show was later developed into a BBC pilot that ultimately did not get picked up for a full series, a rejection Clive and Robertson described as tricky and strange due to its deeply personal nature.
Future Projects and Live Performances
Alongside their Edinburgh appearances, both performers have maintained busy acting schedules outside of their double act. Clive recently appeared as Sally Phillips’s sister in Relics at the Lyric Hammersmith, and Robertson is set to star in Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9 at the National Theatre in London starting in November. Consequently, the pair treat their Britney shows as passion projects rather than primary career drivers.
“Working on a strange little hour of comedy is our dream,” Robertson stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson?
Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson are British actors and comedians who perform as the sketch comedy duo Britney. They are known for their live shows at the Edinburgh Fringe and their television roles.
What US television shows feature Clive and Robertson?
Clive stars as Steve Carell’s professor daughter in the HBO campus comedy Rooster, and Robertson plays Rachel Weisz’s lawyer daughter in the Netflix series Vladimir.
What are their upcoming live shows?
The duo is performing two shows at the Edinburgh Fringe: the sketch production Holy Mackerel! and a play written by Robertson titled Jitters.
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