Comedian and actress Desiree Burch has revealed one of her most unusual purchases during a recent podcast appearance: a wholesale box containing approximately 100 inexpensive sex toys shipped from the United States specifically for her live comedy performances.
The Unconventional Purchase
During an episode of the Spent podcast hosted by Matt Edmondson, the 47-year-old British-American performer was asked about her most ridiculous purchase ever. Without hesitation, Burch responded that "the one that leapt to mind was a box of cheap sex toys." She clarified that these were technically dildos rather than vibrators, noting that "they were not vibrators. That would have been a price that I could not afford."
Practical Purpose Behind the Purchase
The unconventional bulk order served a specific purpose for Burch's comedy show called "52 Man Pickup," which she was touring before moving to London. The interactive performance involved audience participation where Burch would discuss past sexual encounters using a deck of cards as prompts.
"I had to order a box and get them shipped from the States over here," Burch explained, detailing how the sex toys became integral to one particular game segment. During performances, she would ask male audience members to physically embody descriptions of her former partners while female audience members guessed "who the high card should be."
"I had two different women do it, and whoever won got the dildo," she revealed, necessitating a consistent supply for each show during her festival runs.
Interactive Comedy Experience
Burch described her show as "immensely fun" and particularly effective in both the US and UK markets, where she observed "an element of sexual repression that wants to be released." The performance encouraged frank discussions about bedroom experiences, with Burch noting that audience participation came naturally when she demonstrated vulnerability first.
"It was great, because people were like, 'How do you get people to participate?' And it's like, all you have to do is show vulnerability. And then people were like, 'I want to do that,'" she explained.
Quality Versus Quantity Decision
When discussing the specific products she purchased, Burch was candid about their quality, laughing as she admitted, "these were not dildos that I would ever sell. Do you know what I mean? They weren't great."
She described them as simply "pink and penis-shaped" with a jiggly texture that served the comedic purpose. "They were just there and pink and penis-shaped, because that's all they needed to be, and kind of jiggly in order for the gag to work," she said, adding her philosophy that "you either get one good sex toy or 100 subpar ones? And, I chose the second, of course."
Logistical Considerations
The wholesale purchase presented some logistical challenges, particularly regarding international shipping and customs. Podcast host Matt Edmondson expressed amazement at the idea of the package passing through customs, remarking, "The fact that they came from America, through customs... that poor X-ray person."
Burch responded with characteristic humor, stating, "You say that, but this is a kinky country. This cannot be their first or last... I imagine they're seen daily."
Professional Context
Burch, who provides the voice for the hit Netflix series Too Hot To Handle, has built a reputation for candid discussions about sexuality and relationships in her comedy work. Her festival performances at events like the Edinburgh Fringe and Camden Fringe Festival have consistently featured interactive elements that break down barriers between performer and audience.
The bulk purchase of inexpensive sex toys represents just one example of the practical considerations behind creating memorable live comedy experiences that challenge conventional boundaries and encourage open dialogue about intimate topics.
