York cinema to screen Secret Policeman’s Ball

3:00pm Sunday 14th September 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

CITY Screen will join cinemas from across the world in a simultaneous live screening of Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball.

The show itself is taking place at London’s Royal Albert Hall and will include Mitchell and Webb, Shappi Khorsandi, Graham Norton, Russell Howard, Frank Skinner and Alan Carr, with more names to be announced in the weeks ahead.

The unique “cinecast” event will be shown in York at the same time as it is viewed at 36 other picturehouses in the UK, as well as 60 more in Australia and Canada.

It will go out on Saturday, October 4, here and in Canada and the following morning in Australia.

Comedians Paddy McGuiness, Leigh Francis and Richard Herring have all stripped to their underpants in a parody of the famous David Beckham Armani advert to help promote the event.

Andy Hackman, Amnesty International UK’s head of brand and events, said: “Amnesty is all about bringing people together to make a difference and the Secret Policeman’s Ball has always been able to do that.”

The first ball, compered by John Cleese, was held in 1976. It continued until 1991 before being revived in recent years, with the last taking place in 2006.

Doors open at City Screen at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Tickets cost £17.50 for adults, £14.50 for concessions and students and £14 for Amnesty International and Picturehouse members.