Secret Policeman's Ball & Amnesty International

British Comedians, Monty Python’s Antics, Rowan Atkinson Routines

Feb 28, 2009 Shelley Aylesworth-Spink

The Secret Policeman's Balls, released in 2009 as a three-disc DVD, contains a series of benefit shows to help Amnesty International stop human rights violations.

The link between the shows and the charity began more than three decades ago. Amnesty International noticed John Cleese’s name among its list of donors and asked him for any ideas to help fundraise. The result is the rich variety of entertainment contained on the new release DVDS.

The DVDs include the benefit shows which were staged in England starting in the mid-1970s to feature British comedians then top musicians, many of whom enjoyed their greatest fame in Britain. These shows have lead to international fame with movies, TV specials, home videos, album and books as spinoffs.

Fundraisers Began Trend of Artists Supporting International Causes

The Secret Policeman’s Balls also began the trend of artists working in support of international causes.

For example, musicians such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Bob Geldof and Bono credit the shows as their inspiration to use their talent to raise funds and awareness. Resulting benefit shows include Live Aid and Live 8 and social justice organizations such as Band Aid Trust, the Live Aid Foundation, the ONE Campaign, the Witness human rights group and The Rainforest Foundation.

The new release DVD include the four eras of Amnesty benefit shows. The first, from 1976 to 1981, included world renowned British performers and the shows were largely available through theatrical films, some home videos, albums and TV specials.

However, it would be the three subsequent eras, from 1987 to 1989, 1991 to 2001 and 2006 to present that spotlight primarily British performers and artists.

Rowan Atkinson Among British Comedians

Performers include John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman and Terry Gilliam of Monty Python, Dudley Moore and Peter Cook of Beyond The Fringe, Billy Connolly, Rowan Atkinson, more commonly known as Mr. Bean, Jennifer Saunders from Absolutely Fabulous fame, and Hugh Laurie, from today’s TV hit House M.D.

Musicians include Pete Townshend, Sting, Phil Collins, Bob Geldof, Peter Gabriel, Donovan, Jackson Browne, Lou Reed, Kate Bush, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, and Chet Atkins.

Classic Skits With Monty Python’s John Cleese

Some would say that the classic Monty Python skits alone are the most memorable of the Secret Policeman’s series. Monty Python’s members join with other performers on the well-known short pieces like "Cheese Shop," "Four Yorkshiremen," "The Schoolmaster," and "The Name's The Game."

In addition, The Who's famed guitarist Pete Townshend performs an acoustic version of Pinball Wizard from the rock opera Tommy. Sting also shines acoustically with his performance of Roxanne.

The Secret Policeman’s Balls is a must-have collection for several generations who are fans of British comedy and exquisite live musical and theatrical performances all for the benefit of Amnesty International.

The copyright of the article Secret Policeman's Ball & Amnesty International in Celebrities/Pop Culture is owned by Shelley Aylesworth-Spink. Permission to republish Secret Policeman's Ball & Amnesty International in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Sting Performs on New Release DVDs	Amnesty International Benefits From Shows	British Comedians Such as Rowan Atkinson Perform
Eric Clapton Supported Amnesty International