A film based on the life of comedian John Bishop is being directed by Bradley Cooper, with fellow Hollywood star Will Arnett co-writing the script.
Titled Is This Thing On?, Beyond The Joke has reported that it will be a romantic comedy about a man who starts stand-up comedy after the breakdown of his marriage. This is how Bishop himself recalled getting into show business, performing for the first time in Manchester in 2000.
He went on to appear on a number of TV panel shows, eventually hosting his own TV programmes and acting in show such as Skins and Doctor Who. Following the separation that proved the catalyst for his comedy performances, he would later reconcile with wife Melanie, and the couple have remained together ever since.
Arnett stars in the film, with Cooper playing his character’s best friend, and Bishop executive producing. Oscar winner Laura Dern is also in the cast as Arnett’s ex-wife, alongside Will & Grace star Sean Hayes. This will be Cooper’s third time in the director’s chair after the remake of A Star Is Born with Lady Gaga, and 2023’s music biopic Maestro.
Comedian Chloe Radcliffe revealed what the film was about on an episode of Richard Herring’s RHLSTP podcast. She appears in the film playing a stand-up. While the film is inspired by John Bishop’s life, the characters’ names are changed and the number of American cast members suggests it will be set in the US.
Bishop himself is embarking on a UK tour in October, celebrating 25 years since that first performance, playing a number of areas as well as The Frog And Bucket pub in Manchester where his career began. Tickets are available here.
