DESCRIPTION
This is a large-format souvenir program to accompany the live comedy event which was held over four consecutive nights in London in 1981 - over 42 years ago. The shows were presented by Amnesty International. The souvenir book was edited by Martin Lewis & Peter Walker.

This program is extremely interesting. It features a card cover and a list of the participants. The inside pages, printed in black and white, feature photographs of performers with sketch notes and song lyrics, and production details. The program which has 96 pages (plus covers) also features amusing annotations by Terry Jones and Michael Palin (who were not part of the show).

The condition of the program is reasonable given its age. The covers exhibit creasing, spine wear and scuffing and there's also a tear at the bottom of the front left hand cover. The inside pages are perfect.

Actual images of item have been used and form part of the item condition/description.  

THE TOUR
"The Secret Policeman's Other Ball" was a comedy and music fundraising event staged over four consecutive nights (9 – 12 September 1981) at London’s Theatre Royal in Drury Lane. It was organized by Amnesty International, a human rights organization, to raise funds and awareness for their work. This event was a follow-up to the earlier "The Secret Policeman's Ball" held in 1979 and was part of a series of benefit shows that continued in subsequent years.

The show featured a star-studded lineup of comedians and musicians who came together to support Amnesty International's mission of defending human rights around the world. Notable performers included Monty Python members John Cleese and Graham Chapman, as well as comedians like Rowan Atkinson and Billy Connolly. Musicians like Donovan, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Jeff Beck also participated.

The performances included sketches, stand-up comedy, and musical acts, often with a satirical or political edge.

The show was very influential in galvanizing rock musicians to become involved in the human rights issue and in other political and social causes in subsequent decades. Musicians who performed at the show who subsequently became activists in various fields include Sting, Bob Geldof, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins and Midge Ure.

Barry Humphries' character Dame Edna Everage was one of the performers. Other stars included John Bird, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jasper Carrott, Victoria Wood, Griff Rhys Jones, Pamela Stephenson, and Alexei Sayle (who performed “What’s On in Stoke Newington”).

COLLECTABILITY
Tour programs are highly collectable and sought after for several reasons. Firstly, they provide a tangible memento of a specific concert or event, allowing fans to relive the experience and cherish the memories associated with it. Tour programs often feature exclusive content like behind-the-scenes photos, interviews, and detailed information about the artists and their performances. Additionally, they serve as a snapshot of a particular era in an artist's career, making them valuable to both music enthusiasts and historians.  Whether you're a dedicated fan or a passionate collector, owning these programs offers a tangible connection to the music world and serves as a treasured piece of memorabilia.

Programs can also be framed together with other items we have on our website such as vinyl records, official stage guitar picks, autographs, backstage passes, concert tickets, drumsticks and photos and you can create a truly one-of-a-kind unique piece of memorabilia.