Plots(1)
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. John Cleese. On 4 March 2012, in celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Amnesty International, the Secret Policeman's Ball was staged in the USA for the first time at New York's famous Radio City Music Hall. With a history dating back to 1979, the Secret Policeman's Ball has always gathered the best comedy and musical talent to use wit and humour to raise both funds and awareness for the vital work that Amnesty International does to prick the conscience of governments around the world.
After a taped introduction from Archbishop Desmond Tutu an amazing line-up of both British and American performers took to the stage including: Russell Brand, Eddie Izzard, Jon Stewart, Reggie Watts, Ben Stiller, Catherine Tate, Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr, Beavis & Butthead, Noel Fielding, Micky Flanagan, Paul Rudd, Tim Roth, Sarah Silverman, David Walliams, Liam Neeson, Peter Serafinowicz and Seth Meyers along with taped contributions from Monty Python members Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin and critical comment from the Muppet Show's original grumpy old men Statler & Waldorf. The musical elements were provided by Mumford & Sons and a concluding set by Coldplay. Following in the footseps of its illustrious predecessors, the 2012 Secret Policeman's Ball is as relevant, as funny, as important and as badly behaved as ever.
(Eagle Rock Entertainment)
Cast
Michael Palin
UK
Best movies:
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) (theatrical recording)
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy (2010) (theatrical recording)
Tim Roth
UK
Best movies:
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Reservoir Dogs (1992)
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)
Paul Rudd
USA
Best movies:
The Cider House Rules (1999)
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Le Monde de Charlie (2012)
Peter Serafinowicz
UK
Best movies:
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Sing 2 (2021)
Sarah Silverman
USA
Best movies:
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Futurama: Bender's Big Score (2007) (video compilation)
Don't Look Up (2021)
Jon Stewart
USA
Best movies:
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Playing by Heart (1998)
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)
Ben Stiller
USA
Best movies:
Empire of the Sun (1987)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Madagascar (2005)
Jason Sudeikis
USA
Best movies:
We're the Millers (2013)
Race (2016)
Épique (2013)
Catherine Tate
UK
Best movies:
Much Ado About Nothing (2011) (theatrical recording)
Shakespeare Live! From the RSC (2016) (theatrical recording)
The Bad Mother's Handbook (2007) (TV movie)
David Walliams
UK
Best movies:
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything (2016) (series)
Stardust, le mystère de l'étoile (2007)
Little Britain: Live (2006)
Jack Whitehall
UK
Best movies:
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything (2016) (TV movie)
Jack Whitehall: At Large (2017) (TV movie)
Frozen (2013)
Kristen Wiig
USA
Best movies:
How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
The Martian (2015)
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
Bobby Moynihan
USA
Best movies:
Inside Out (2015)
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Monsters University (2013)
John Oliver
UK
Best movies:
Green Wing (2004) (series)
The Lion King (2019)
Wonder Park (2019)
Richard Branson
UK
Best movies:
Casino Royale (2006)
Superman Returns (2006)
Death to 2021 (2021) (TV movie) - a.f.
Jay Pharoah
USA
Best movies:
Rex Lee
USA
Best movies:
Girl on the Edge (2015)
Feel the Beat (2020)
Entourage (2015)