Ex-Monty Python member John Cleese was behind most of the Balls

The event is to be held at London's Royal Albert Hall on 14 October and broadcast later on Channel 4.

Amnesty International UK's Lisle Turner said a "side-splitting joke" could sometimes highlight human rights abuses as well as a "hard hitting report".

Comic actor John Cleese was artistic director of most of the seven Secret Policeman's Balls from 1976 to 1991.

Comedian and actor Eddie Izzard organised a similar event, titled We Know Where You Live, for Amnesty's 40th anniversary in 2001.

This year's show will involve stand-up and sketch comedy, music, and new elements such as animations and podcasts.

'Rally the troops'

Lisle Turner said: "It's never been more important to stand up for humanity and human rights and as it was a generation ago, the Ball is our secret weapon to rally the troops.

"After years of heroic service, the Ball took a well-earned rest. But now it's back - bigger, better and ballsier than ever before."

Former Ball performer Michael Palin said he wished "great success to this year's event".

"By mixing a good cause and a line-up of performers you'd never see together anywhere else, the shows had a mad exuberance.

"Anything could happen and usually did."