Amnesty International is delighted to announce the release of The Secret Policeman's Ball 2012 available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 3 December. 

Described in the Independent as “a comedy night with a conscience and a purpose”, The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 is an ideal present for any comedy and human rights aficionado.

Amnesty International’s legendary comedy and music show brings together some of the finest comedians and musicians within the industry to celebrate free speech.    The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 includes performances from Eddie Izzard, Catherine Tate, Russell Brand, Jon Stewart, Mumford & Sons and Coldplay, as well as taped contributions from Monty Python members Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.

Bonus material includes backstage interviews and a hilarious Monty Python “Legs” skit featuring Robert DeNiro, Whoopi Goldberg & guests with music from Coldplay and Mumford & Sons.

With a history dating back to 1976, the Secret Policeman’s Ball has always gathered the greatest stars within the comedy and music industry to raise both funds for, and awareness of the vital work that Amnesty does to stand up to the oppression and human rights abuses committed around the world.  One of the special guests of The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 is one of Burma’s best-known comedians, Zarganar – who has spent more than 11 years in jail for lampooning the Burmese authorities.   

John Cleese was part of the Monty Python cast which created the original Secret Policeman’s Ball.  He said:
“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.”

Notes to the Editor

•  “The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012” is released through Eagle Media on DVD and Blu-ray [Cat nos EMDV955 and EMBRD5171 respectively] on 3 December 2012.
•  The Secret Policeman’s Ball 2012 was staged on 4 March 2012, in celebration of Amnesty’s 50th anniversary.  For the first time in its history, the Ball was staged in the USA at New York’s famous Radio City Music Hall.