The Secret Policeman's Other Ball

By Rhino

In 1981 John Cleese brought together the usual comedy suspects for four late-night galas at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London--the highlights of which make up THE SECRET POLICEMAN'S OTHER BALL. Joining Cleese were fellow comics Rowan Atkinson, Alan Bennett, John Fortune, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Jasper Carrott, Graham Chapman, Barry Humphries, Chris Langham, Griff Rhys Jones, Alexei Sayle, John Wells, and Victoria Wood.

Comedic highlights include "Beekeeping" (from the classic '60s British TV showAt Last The 1948 Show) starring John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson, "Sex" starring Alan Bennett and John Fortune, Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, and Rowan Atkinson in his famous role as "The Conductor."

Appearing alongside these comic geniuses are the likes of Bob Geldof, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Donovan, Sting, and the offbeat Neil Innes. Highlights include unplugged versions of "Roxanne" and "Message In A Bottle" from Sting, a virtuoso blues set from guitar legends Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck (a rare reunion of members of the '60s band The Yardbirds), an unplugged version of "I Don't Like Mondays" from Bob Geldof, and a classic closing jam session featuring the entire cast led by Sting on Bob Dylan's evocative hit "I Shall Be Released."

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