The Secret Policeman's Ball

1976 - 2012

Pleasure at Her Majesty's

Episode 1

A Poke in the Eye (With a Sharp Stick) is the title of the first show in what later became the iconic Secret Policeman's Ball series of benefit shows for human rights organization Amnesty International, although it pre-dated by three years the first show to bear that name. The film of the show was titled Pleasure at Her Majesty's which is sometimes mistakenly thought to be the title of the actual benefit show.

The Mermaid Frolics

Episode 2

In May 1977 a second Amnesty benefit was held to build on the success of the first show and with the intent of developing momentum for a regularly scheduled benefit show.

The Secret Policeman's Ball

Episode 3

The Secret Policeman's Ball was the third of the benefit shows staged by Amnesty International to raise funds for its research and campaign work in the human rights field.

The Secret Policeman's Other Ball

9th September 1981

Episode 4

The Secret Policeman's Other Ball was the fourth of the benefit shows staged by the British Section of Amnesty International to raise funds for its research and campaign work in the human rights field.

The Secret Policeman's Third Ball

26th March 1987

Episode 5

When the British Amnesty shows finally resumed in 1987 after a six-year hiatus, the show format was retooled in an effort to take advantage of the growing number of rock musicians supporting Amnesty.

Amnesty International Festival of Youth

Episode 6

In 1986, the US Section of Amnesty International had organised the very successful Conspiracy of Hope tour featuring leading rock musicians on an 11-day/6-concert tour of the US. This tour built upon the participation of rock musicians in the 1979 and 1981 Secret Policeman's shows.

The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball

30th August 1989

Episode 7

After the criticisms of the 1987 production's disproportionate focus on music – and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival of Youth weekend concert in 1988 – Amnesty returned to the original formula that had been so successful in the 1976–81 era with a primary focus on comedy.

Barf Bites Back!

13th January 1991

Episode 8

In early 1991, Amnesty held a comedy gala at the Duke of York's Theatre in London to commemorate its 30th anniversary.

The Big 3-0 – Amnesty’s 30th Anniversary Special

13th December 1991

Episode 9

At the end of 1991, a second event commemorating Amnesty's 30th anniversary was organised as a TV special.

So You Think You’re Irish

2nd February 1997

Episode 10

In early 1997, Amnesty held a comedy gala at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. The performers were primarily Irish performers including: Barry Murphy, Brendan O'Carroll, Pauline McLynn, Dermot Morgan, Kevin McAleer, Owen O'Neill, and Kevin Gildea.

So You Think You're Irish 2

1st February 1998

Episode 11

In 1998, Amnesty staged a reprise of "So You Think You're Irish" in Dublin. The performers were again primarily Irish performers including: Milo O'Shea, Barry Murphy, Pauline McLynn, Dylan Moran, Dara Ó Briain, Tommy Tiernan, Ed Byrne, Kevin McAleer, Owen O'Neill, Ian Coppinger, Eddie Bannon, Brendan Dempsey and Kevin Gildea.

We Know Where You Live

Episode 12

In June 2001, Amnesty staged a benefit show that was video-taped as a TV special to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

The Secret Policeman's Ball 2006

14th October 2006

Episode 13

The 13th show in the Amnesty series took place at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Secret Policeman's Ball 2008

4th October 2008

Episode 14

In July 2008, Amnesty announced that it would present another show to be titled The Secret Policeman's Ball 2008. Like its immediate predecessor, the show was a single-night event at London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Secret Policeman's Ball 2012

Episode 15

Coinciding with Amnesty's 50th anniversary, the 2012 edition of The Secret Policeman's Ball took place outside of the UK for the first time under that title. It was staged on 4 March 2012 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The three-hour show featured a mix of prominent comedians from both Britain and the United States.

Top Cast

John Cleese•Michael Palin•Terry Jones

A series of benefit shows staged initially in the United Kingdom to raise funds for the human rights organisation Amnesty International. The shows started in 1976 featuring popular British comedians but later included leading musicians and actors. The Secret Policeman's Ball shows are credited by many prominent entertainers with having galvanised them to become involved with Amnesty and other social and political causes in succeeding years.

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