Look To The Stars News: John Cleese

Stars Line Up For The Return Of The Secret Policeman's Ball

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:50:00 +0000

The Secret Policeman’s Ball is back – and its heading for America!

Amnesty International’s legendary charity show – featuring a plethora of music and comedy talent – will hit the Radio City Music Hall on March 4. Organizers have confirmed Coldplay, Russell Brand, Mumford & Sons, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart and Reggie Watts as part of the lineup, with more to come.

“We are so happy to be involved with the 2012 Secret Policeman’s Ball,” said Chris Martin of Coldplay. “We have followed and supported Amnesty International – and the amazing work they do around the world in the field of human rights – for years, and it is a pleasure to be asked to contribute to such an inspiring event.”

John Cleese Fans Create Book For Charity

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Fans of British comedy actor John Cleese have produced a book to celebrate the star’s birthday, with all proceeds going to charity.

The book features a selection of contributions to the official John Cleese forum, with proceeds going to charities such as Amnesty International and the Prince’s Trust.

“I am touched that you are donating proceeds from the book, and the digital download of the book, to my favourite charities,” Cleese said to the creators of the book. "And why have you gone to all this trouble? Because you wanted me to have a good laugh on my 70th birthday. Though it was more than six months ago, I do appreciate the illustration of tardiness on the book jacket.

Jon Lovitz Leads Silly Walks For Charity

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:30:00 +0000

October 2009 marked the beginning of the 40th Anniversary year for the classic comedy team Monty Python, and comedian Jon Lovitz is spearheading a charity event to celebrate.

Fans of spam, dead parrots, lumberjacks and the Spanish Inquisition (“Nobody ever expects the Spanish Inquisition!”) will flock to the first ever Silly Walks For Hunger event on November 19, which will give fans and fun-seekers an opportunity to show off their own “silly walks” while participating in a world-class live production—and all for a good cause: hunger relief.

“I have been a Monty Python fan for years,” said Jon Lovitz, who in May opened his own comedy club in the heart of Universal CityWalk, and who will act as the Minister of SillyWalks for the day. “We’ll be doing good by behaving silly… what a great way to honor their work. It’s perfect!”

John Cleese Talks For Lemurs

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Veteran comedian John Cleese has made a new video to benefit charity.

“Many [people] know about my fondness for lemurs,” he said in an email. "I’ll take this opportunity to direct you towards my video, “Honoured,” which talks about the species of lemur named for me and the good work that the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust does to protect this endangered animal.

“The video is available for download from headcast.co.uk for a mere pittance, with proceeds going to benefit Conservation Matters. Thank you for your support.”

Comedians Are Most Amused For Prince Charles

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

Robin Williams, John Cleese and Rowan Atkinson lead the line-up of comedic talent that will perform at “We Are Most Amused” next month. The night of comedy will help celebrate Prince Charles’ 60th birthday, as well as benefit the Prince’s Trust.

Founded by Prince Charles in 1976 (using his severance pay of £7,400 from the Navy), the Prince’s Trust exists to help the UK’s troubled youth through support, training and personal development. With skill development, self confidence and a completed education – and even money for a start up business – young people with hopeless outlooks are now heading toward self chosen goals and achieving their real potential.

“We try to do things differently, to cut through the bureaucracy and the red tape,” said the Prince. “And I believe that approach has paid off.”

Igor Helps Fight Malaria In Africa

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:00:00 +0000

John Cusack’s new animated film, Igor, is helping to raise awareness of the threat of malaria in Africa.

The film – which features the vocal talents of Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jay Leno, and Christian Slater – tells the story of a lowly lab assistant in the land of Malaria who dreams of becoming a scientist. With the help of two of his experimental creations—Brain, a brain in a jar who’s a little light on brains, and Scamper, a cynical bunny brought back from being road kill, Igor and his friends fight to save the world, and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

The film was picked by www.malaria.com – an education, advocation, and financing body whose mission is to fight the disease – as being the perfect vehicle to raise awareness of the issue. By visiting Malaria.com’s special Igor site, the public can donate directly to the Against Malaria Foundation to buy mosquito nets for people in Africa.

Secret Policeman's Ball Returns This Weekend

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:00:00 +0000

Amnesty International has revealed some of the names to take part in its famous comedy event The Secret Policeman’s Ball, which returns to London’s Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4 October.

The event – which made its name with seven shows between 1976 and 1991 – is a star-studded night of comedy, entertainment and music. It is set to feature some of the most cutting edge and leading comedic and musical talent and will also highlight some of Amnesty International’s campaigning activities for human rights all over the
world.

Return of the Secret Policeman's Ball

Tue, 26 Sep 2006 18:56:11 +0000

In 1979, John Cleese headlined the first of a series of performances entitled ‘The Secret Policeman’s Ball’. The show was to raise awareness of Amnesty International UK, which it certainly achieved. Amnesty International UK stated that after the first 3 shows, public awareness of AIUK increased by 700%.

The first show starred other members of Monty Python, Billy Connolly, and it also gave Rowan Atkinson his big break. The Secret Policeman’s Ball was then made into a feature-length film.

In 1987, musical acts were added to the line-up, starring such artists as Kate Bush, Bob Geldof and Duran Duran.