Amnesty International comedy ball comes to Lerwick

Amnesty International’s benefit show, The Secret Policeman’s Ball, will be coming to Shetland for the first time next month – and it will have a distinctly local approach.

The shows were launched in the 1970s as a comedy event to raise money and awareness of human rights issues.

And the Shetland Comedy group has teamed up with Amnesty Shetland to stage a “policeman’s ball” in Lerwick. All proceeds will go to Amnesty International.

On the bill are the Shetland improv comedy group, The Imposters, as well as local stand-up comedians Marjolein Robertson and Les Sinclair, both of whom enjoyed stints at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Audience members are encouraged to bring a novel with them for one of the games. The Imposters will be comprised of Matthew Simpson, Thomas Jones, Ashlea Tulloch, Alex Garrick-Wright, Les and Marjolein.

Amnesty Shetland chairwoman Amy Garrick-Wright said: “Since the first Secret Policeman’s Ball 40 years ago, Amnesty International has worked hand in hand with comedians to raise funds and awareness of human rights.

“We at Amnesty Shetland are proud to continue this tradition, and are very excited to be working with Shetland Comedy for a night of homegrown improv and stand-up for a good cause.”

Marjolein added: “The Secret Policeman’s Ball has always held an air of mystery. So I am excited that we will have a Shetland Comedy Secret Policeman’s Ball, this time merging improv and stand up.”

She urged people to attend the event on Friday 7th October in the Lerwick Legion, make a donation and “laugh and enjoy yourself for a good cause.”

The organisers warn that as part of the event is unscripted it “probably won’t be suitable for under-18s”.