Controversy has erupted yet again around Escape nightclub after The Royal Gazette received a tip yesterday that one of the performers in the weekly Flawless Follies drag queen show is underage.

That performer, however, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, claims that he was performing with the Follies in an attempt to make a living of sorts after being evicted from his home when he told his mother that he was gay.

The performer, who is currently looking for a job and turns 18 in December, said he has been staying at a friend's house ever since his mother called the Police to evict him in June.

"If I'm staying at a friend's house, I have to contribute to the bills," he said.

"It's not because I'm underage, she just has a hard time accepting that I am gay."

"It's an oversight from myself," said Escape manager Paul DeCouto. "I take part responsibility. I just trusted that everyone was 18."

Legally, one can be any age to be a member of a group such as Flawless Follies, however under the Liquor License Act of 1974 it is illegal for an establishment such as a nightclub to employ persons under the age of 18. The punishment for the offence is a summary conviction with a fine of $300.

When contacted and asked if the Police were considering charges against Escape, Police media spokesman Dwayne Caines said: "Inquiries into the matter are underway."

The performer in question admitted that he had lied to the organiser of the Flawless Follies, telling him that he was 18 when in fact he was underage. The performer then made a guest appearance in a Flawless Follies show. He is not, however, part of the Flawless Follies.

His mother declined to comment on the situation.

Mr. DeCouto said Escape has a contract with the Flawless Follies allowing the group to use the nightclub as a venue for the show. Every week proceeds from the show are partly donated to the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation, and partly used by the Follies in show production.

"It's such a controversial show, people are going to be looking for any flaw in the Flawless Follies," said Mr. DeCouto. "We're just going to have to be even more strict now (about ID's)."