Amnesty International announces Secret Policeman's Tour
- Amnesty International is to launch a Secret Policeman's Tour, over 4 decades on from the original Ball
- There'll be a show in London in June, Edinburgh in August, and a third show elsewhere yet to be announced
- Hosted by Deborah Frances-White, the evenings will be packed with stand-up comedians
Amnesty International is to put on some more Secret Policeman's Ball shows.
Teaming up with Deborah Frances-White, the host of hit podcast The Guilty Feminist, the charity is planning for three shows to happen across the UK this year.
The first Secret Policeman's Ball event was held in London in 1976, with John Cleese responsible for bringing together many of the comedians and musicians for the show. There have been multiple shows since, with the last held in 2012.
Talking about their 2019 plans, the human rights organisation, which campaigns against injustice and inequality, says: "More than forty years since Amnesty's first ever Secret Policeman's event, the newly-revamped 2019 Secret Policeman's Tour will see a host of comedians, musicians, actors, activists and inspiring speakers come together for three electrifying nights of comedy, music and discussion, all in support of human rights."
The tour will kick off on 5 June at the Hackney Empire, hosted by Deborah Frances-White with guests including Sindhu Vee, Juliet Stevenson, Funmbi Omotayo, Grace Petrie, Desiree Burch, Jess Fostekew, Alison Spittle, Kemah Bob, Francesca Martinez and more.
On 24 August, the tour will come to the Edinburgh Playhouse, during the Edinburgh Fringe. Deborah Frances-White will be joined by guests including Rachel Parris, Nish Kumar, Phoebe Robinson (from 2 Dope Queens), Sindhu Vee, Desiree Burch, Rosie Jones, Grace Petrie, Steve Ali, with music from Jess Robinson and appearances from Derry Girls stars Siobhan McSweeney, Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Louisa Harland.
A third date elsewhere in the UK will be announced at a later date.
Deborah Frances-White revealed the plans for the Secret Policeman's Tour during a Gala Premiere screening of her award-winning film Say My Name at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square last night.
She said: "We stand on the shoulders of Secret Policeman giants to see a spectacular view of a new British comedy landscape that includes, celebrates and amplifies the bristling talents of those with so many different life experiences, voices and ways of bringing their funny to stage. What a joy for Amnesty International and The Guilty Feminist to come together so those who share identities with the people whose human rights are most routinely eroded or stolen, can take the stage, take up space and create riotous and anarchic shows that demand better of the world."
Kate Allen, Amnesty UK's Director, said: "Since Amnesty's first ever Secret Policeman's Ball more than 40 years ago in 1976, lots has changed. We're facing new human rights crises and fighting new battles to create a safer and more equal world.
"Yet people coming together to stand for what they believe in and celebrate human rights will always remain at our core. That's why we're so delighted to see the renowned Secret Policeman's Tour return this year. In partnership with the fabulous Guilty Feminist podcast team, the shows are set to be an exciting celebration of the rights of people in all their brilliant difference."
Tickets can be booked via amnesty.org.uk