Secret Policeman's Ball to return

Amnesty International's comedy stage show The Secret Policemen's Ball is to return again later this year.

A date for the new show has not yet been finalised, but it is known that Channel 4 had earned the rights to broadcast the performance. The show will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Channel 4 commissioning editor Andy Auerbac said: "This year there's an unbelievable line-up of comic talent and it's a fantastic honour for Channel 4 to be involved in such a prestigious comedy event."

The last performance took place in 2006 at the Royal Albert Hall. The Ball in the Hall as it was known had a live audience of 6,000 people, and featured Al Murray (pictured), Chevy Chase, Dylan Moran, Eddie Izzard, Graham Norton, Omid Djalili, Russell Brand, Sarah Silverman, Jon Culshaw, Jessica Haynes, Jo Brand, Julia Davis, Richard E. Grant, Seth Green, Andrew Maxwell, The Mighty Boosh and the cast of Green Wing.

The first Amnesty benefit was held in 1976, and the first Secret Policeman's Ball was held in 1979. The shows are notable for featuring many well known acts, as well as giving audiences their first taste of future stars (Rowan Atkinson being one example).