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
Lance Bass
USA
Best movies:
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration (2001) (concert)
Tropic Thunder (2008)
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
Fred Armisen
USA
Best movies:
The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)
Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny (2006)
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Matt Berry
UK
Best movies:
The Wild Robot (2024)
Moon (2009)
Christopher Robin (2018)
Russell Brand
UK
Best movies:
Russell Brand: Messiah Complex (2013)
Despicable Me (2010)
Cold Blood (2005) (series)
Stephen Colbert
USA
Best movies:
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
David Cross
USA
Best movies:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Men in Black (1997)
Ghost World (2001)
Rachel Dratch
USA
Best movies:
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Just Go with It (2011)
Click (2006)
Noel Fielding
UK
Best movies:
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything (2016) (series)
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything (2016) (TV movie)
The Mighty Boosh Live: Future Sailors Tour (2009)
Bill Hader
USA
Best movies:
Inside Out (2015)
Star Trek into Darkness (2013)
Her (2013)
Eric Idle
UK
Best movies:
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) (theatrical recording)
Life of Brian (1979)
Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy (2010) (theatrical recording)
Eddie Izzard
Yemen
Best movies:
Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill (1999) (theatrical recording)
The Big Fat Quiz of Everything (2016) (series)
Eddie Izzard: Glorious (1997) (theatrical recording)
Rashida Jones
USA
Best movies:
Klaus (2019)
Inside Out (2015)
The Social Network (2010)
Terry Jones
UK
Best movies:
Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl (1982) (theatrical recording)
Life of Brian (1979)
Not the Messiah: He's a Very Naughty Boy (2010) (theatrical recording)
Mike Judge
Ecuador
Best movies:
South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)
Jackass 3D (2010)
Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996)
Taran Killam
USA
Best movies:
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)
Chris Martin
UK
Best movies:
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
BrĂ¼no (2009)
12-12-12 (2013) (concert)
Seth Meyers
USA
Best movies:
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008)
The Interview (2014)
New Year's Eve (2011)
Liam Neeson
UK
Best movies:
Schindler's List (1993)
Batman Begins (2005)
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Chris O'Dowd
Ireland
Best movies:
Of Mice and Men (2015) (theatrical recording)
Loving Vincent (2017)
Pirate Radio (2009)
Bob Odenkirk
USA
Best movies:
Nobody (2021)
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Little Women (2019)