The beloved Brit returns to Australia with a career-spanning show, and for some of us, this one hits a little closer to home.
Alright, cards on the table: I have a weirdly specific emotional connection to John Bishop.
Before I ever knew him as “that Liverpool comic who sells out theatres,” I knew him from Skins, the chaotic, queer, deeply British teen drama that basically shaped my entire adolescence in Bristol. I was obsessed. Posters on the wall, memorising the dialogue, sneaking onto set, obsessed. I even managed to be an extra several times—core memory type stuff.
And in Skins, Bishop played the dad of Emily, one half of the Emily and Naomi storyline that was basically the gay awakening of every queer girl I knew at the time. So, seeing him back on stage for the 25-year mark is unexpectedly emotional for my inner teen.
But enough about me. Let’s get into the tour.
A Quarter Century of Comedy
John Bishop is heading back to Australia with John Bishop: 25 Years of Stand-up, celebrating a full quarter century since he first grabbed a mic at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester. (Top-tier comedy venue name.)
“It’s been a rollercoaster!” he said, sounding exactly like a man who has truly survived the British comedy trenches. “I can’t thank the fans enough. I really hope you can come and celebrate with me.”
Judging by how quickly tickets are vanishing, we absolutely plan to.
If you somehow missed Bishop’s stand-up career, you have almost definitely seen him on TV. His résumé looks like someone spilled an entire BBC schedule into a blender, and it just kept saying “yes.”
- John Bishop’s Australia
- John Bishop’s Britain
- John Bishop’s Only Joking
- The John Bishop Show (BBC One)
- The John Bishop Christmas Show
- John Bishop’s Gorilla Adventure
- John Bishop’s Ireland
- Four seasons of John Bishop: In Conversation With…
- A stint on Doctor Who
- And the documentary John & Joe Bishop: Life After Deaf
If the network could put his name in the title, they did.
Critics, Audiences and Your Nan All Agree
Reviewers have been borderline dramatic about how much they love him, in a very British way.
- ★★★★★ Daily Telegraph: “A performer of rare natural charm.”
- ★★★★★ Daily Mirror: “The funniest two hours you’ll have any time soon.”
- ★★★★★ Liverpool Echo: “A stand-up masterclass.”
- ★★★★ The Times: “Bishop has funny bones.”
When all of them start sounding like proud aunties, you know it’s deserved.
Tickets Are Already Going Faster Than a Perth Bus After 4pm
If you want to be part of the 25-year celebration, move quickly. These shows will not hang around.
TL;DR
- John Bishop returns to Australia with 25 Years of Stand-up
- I first knew him from Skins, and it shaped my entire queer youth in Bristol
- The tour celebrates his full 25-year comedy career
- His TV résumé is massive and very comforting
- Critics adore him
- Tickets are selling fast
- Official tickets: Bohm Presents
Stay unruly.
