Sketch group Dutch Elm Conservatoire have caused controversy for depicting Mohammed with the voice of Gerry Adams.

The Perrier-nominated team, who are performing at the Belfast Festival this week, risk offending Muslims who believe their prophet should never be depicted.

In one sketch Mohammed says in the voice of the Sinn Fein leader: ‘Peace be upon me. Islam is a legitimate religious organisisation.’

The Daily Mirror’s Northern Ireland edition has highlighted to contentious sketch.

A spokesman for the Belfast Islamic Centre told the paper: ‘Any depiction of the Prophet is offensive. It is against the Islamic faith.’

Sinn Fein added: ‘We'd be opposed to people causing offence or mocking anyone's religion.’

But Dutch Elm Conservatoire’s Jim Field Smith, pictured, said: ‘We thought this was funny because of the ridiculous situation when Gerry Adams's voice was banned in the Eighties.’

• American comedian Bill Maher has been accused of bad taste for turning up at a fancy dress party as crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, complete with stingray barb embedded in his chest, in an echo of a scene controversially aired in South Park this week. Click here to see his outfit.