Secret Policeman’s Ball, The Review

While BBC’s Children In Need should

be commended for its altruism, its crummy content looks even more woeful compared to the comedic genius that runs through Amnesty International’s charity showcase, presented here as seven stand-up shows over four discs. Musical performances come courtesy of the likes of Sting and Eric Clapton, but it’s the comic capering of Cook, Moore, Cleese, Palin, Atkinson et al that engages most. Sadly, the

quality subsides as the years pass; Lenny Henry and Phil Cool are poor imitations of the ’70s masters.