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.