Filming has just wrapped on Is This Thing On? an upcoming romantic comedy set in the world of stand-up directed by Bradley Cooper that is based on a pivotal incident in the life of John Bishop.

The film is about a stand-up who starts doing comedy when his marriage is breaking down, which is how John Bishop has said he first got into showbusiness. The script is co-written by the star, Will Arnett, who reportedly met Bishop about ten years ago and was fascinated by his history.

Stand-up comedian Chloe Radcliffe broke this unlikely turn of events when she appeared as the latest guest on on Richard Herring's RHLSTP podcast. Radcliiffe, who is appearing at the Soho Theatre from May 15 - 17, also appears in the film, playing a stand-up.

Bishop is due to go on tour himself later this year to mark 25 years since his first ever gig - the one that he did when he was at his lowest point on 2 October 2000 at the Frog and Bucket in Manchester in front of just a handful of people. John was working by day in the pharmaceutical industry, but that night, as he picked up the mic and performed for the very first time, he changed his life forever.

It has not been revealed if the action will be relocated to America or if it will still be set in the UK, but with a mainly American cast it seems unlikely that it will be set in the Frog and Bucket. Deadline has reported that John Bishop has an executive producer credit.

His tour is mostly in arenas but it also includes a return show on 13 October 2025 to the Frog and Bucket in Manchester, 25 years since it all began. Read more here. 

Listen to Richard Herring's interview with Chloe Radcliffe here or at your usual podcast outlets.

(if you are seeing a picture on John Bishop standing up the picture is by rhian_ap_gruffydd).