Secret Policeman’s Ball 2008 - not another benefit gig, the world’s best comedy gig
Alan Carr, Shappi Khorsandi, Frank Skinner
and many more to take to the stage at The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2008
21 August, 2008
Amnesty International today (21 Aug) announced that its famous comedy event The Secret Policeman’s Ball will return to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4 October.
The show – which made its name with seven shows between 1976 and 1991 – is to host a star-studded night of comedy, entertainment and music this October. It is set to feature some of the most cutting edge and leading comedic and musical talent and will also highlight some of Amnesty International’s campaigning activities for human rights all over the world.
This year’s Secret Policeman’s Ball will also mark the start of Amnesty International’s celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in December.
The audience of 6,000 will be part of a show-stopping performance, with never-before-seen collaborations, brand new sketches, explosive stand-up and off-stage performances from leading talent from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Secret Policeman’s Ball bounced back two years ago to wide acclaim, featuring performances from leading artists such as Russell Brand, The Mighty Boosh, Al Murray, Andrew Maxwell, Chevy Chase, Dylan Moran, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Green Wing, Jessica Stevenson, Jimmy Fallon, Jon Culshaw, Natalie Imbruglia, Omid Djalili, Richard E Grant, Ronnie Ancona, Sarah Silverman, Seth Green, The Magic Numbers and The Zutons.
Kate Allen, Amnesty International UK Director, said:
“Amnesty International UK aims to get a million people standing up for human rights, by providing simple ways for people to show their support.
“When you laugh at a joke along with lots of other people you realise they feel the same way you do. When the jokes or the music have a political message it can help people realise that many others share their beliefs. This gives people the confidence to take action and that is exactly what we want.”
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights set out for the first time the fundamental rights to which everyone, everywhere is entitled – including the right to life, liberty, security, freedom of opinion and expression and the right not to be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.
Amnesty International's vision is of a world in which every person enjoys all these rights. With more than a quarter of a million members and supporters in the UK and over two million worldwide, the organisation campaigns to abolish the death penalty and end torture, for the release of all prisoners of conscience, to control the arms trade and to stop violence against women.
Notes to Editors
- www.protectthehuman.com/ball will be live from 21st August 2008
- B-roll is available if required
- For all talent enquires, contact Thea Gray
- The 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is on 10 December 2008.
For further information please contact:
Secret Policeman’s Ball: Thea Gray, 020 7033 1636, thea.gray@amnesty.org.uk
Amnesty International UK: Mike Blakemore, 020 7033 1546, mike.blakemore@amnesty.org.uk
Out of office hours: 07891 919 954 / 07721 398 984
ENDS