Amnesty International move Secret Policeman's Ball to New York for 50th Anniversary

Amnesty International move Secret Policeman's Ball to New York for 50th Anniversary

25 January, 2012
by: Spoonfedcomedy

The star-studded charity bash will move across the pond this year.

To commemorate their 50th Anniversary, Amnesty International are moving their star-studded charity gig outside of the UK for the first time this year, to New York’s Radio City Music Hall.

Big British acts like Coldplay, Mumford & Sons and Russell Brand will all be taking part in the 2012 Secret Policeman's Ball, which is to be held on March 4th. US stars like The Daily Show's Jon Stewart, political satirist Stephen Colbert and loop machine wizard Reggie Watts are also on the bill, along with a host of other celebrated comedians and musicians yet to be announced.

More than 6,000 people are expected to attend the event, which was launched in 1976, with the help of comedian John Cleese to raise money and awareness for free speech across the globe. 

"I used to think humour was a luxury, but at the last election Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert taught me it was a necessity," said Cleese. "The Secret Policeman's Ball was – and is – a coming together of the very best comedy talent of any generation to celebrate their art, remind audiences how important free speech is, and highlight just how much vital work Amnesty International does to protect it. I implore you to support it."

The show will be televised on British terrestrial TV the following week.

facebook.com/secretpoliceman

Return to the London Comedy homepage

Spoonfedcomedy