Overview
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.
Created by: John Cleese, Peter Luff
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Episodes - Season 1
Episode 1: Pleasure at Her Majesty's
Apr 01, 1976
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 s...
Episode 2: The Mermaid Frolics
May 01, 1977
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 sch...
Episode 3: The Secret Policeman's Ball
Jun 27, 1979
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 ...
Episode 4: The Secret Policeman's Other Ball
Sep 09, 1981
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 i...
Episode 5: The Secret Policeman's Third Ball
Mar 26, 1987
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 gro...
Episode 6: Amnesty International Festival of Youth
Jun 18, 1988
In 1986, the US Section of Amnesty International had organised the very successful Conspiracy of Hope tour featuring leading rock musicians on an 11-d...
Episode 7: The Secret Policeman's Biggest Ball
Aug 30, 1989
After the criticisms of the 1987 production's disproportionate focus on music – and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival of Youth ...
Episode 8: Barf Bites Back!
Jan 13, 1991
In early 1991, Amnesty held a comedy gala at the Duke of York's Theatre in London to commemorate its 30th anniversary.
Episode 9: The Big 3-0 – Amnesty’s 30th Anniversary Special
Dec 13, 1991
At the end of 1991, a second event commemorating Amnesty's 30th anniversary was organised as a TV special.
Episode 10: So You Think You’re Irish
Feb 02, 1997
In early 1997, Amnesty held a comedy gala at the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. The performers were primarily Irish performers including: Barry Murphy, Bre...
Episode 11: So You Think You're Irish 2
Feb 01, 1998
In 1998, Amnesty staged a reprise of "So You Think You're Irish" in Dublin. The performers were again primarily Irish performers includ...
Episode 12: We Know Where You Live
Jun 03, 2001
In June 2001, Amnesty staged a benefit show that was video-taped as a TV special to commemorate its 40th anniversary.
Episode 13: The Secret Policeman's Ball 2006
Oct 14, 2006
The 13th show in the Amnesty series took place at the Royal Albert Hall.
Episode 14: The Secret Policeman's Ball 2008
Oct 04, 2008
In July 2008, Amnesty announced that it would present another show to be titled The Secret Policeman's Ball 2008. Like its immediate predecessor,...
Episode 15: The Secret Policeman's Ball 2012
Mar 04, 2012
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 ...
