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Comedian John Bishop visits Derry sites for TV documentary

Comedian John Bishop was shown around the Bogside by John Kelly of the Museum of Free Derry. Picture by James Whorriskey
Comedian John Bishop was shown around the Bogside by John Kelly of the Museum of Free Derry. Picture by James Whorriskey Comedian John Bishop was shown around the Bogside by John Kelly of the Museum of Free Derry. Picture by James Whorriskey

COMEDIAN John Bishop has spent a day in Derry’s Bogside filming for a new documentary on Ireland.

The Liverpudlian’s visit to the Museum of Free Derry and later the Apprentice Boys’ Siege Museum coincided with a gig at the city’s Millennium Forum last night.

The TV documentary has been given the working title “John Bishop’s Ireland” and it is understood there are plans for further filming in Northern Ireland.

John Kelly, of the Museum of Free Derry, said the comedian spent up to two hours in the Bogside talking about the area’s history and in particular Bloody Sunday.

Mr Kelly, whose brother Michael (17) was among the victims, said: “When he first arrived he was talking about the museum but Bloody Sunday soon took over.

"We talked in the museum and then went outside to Rossville Street where he spent about an hour talking about Bloody Sunday.

“I showed him where Michael was shot and where some of the others were shot and I showed him the baby grow which was used to stem the flow of blood as Michael was dying.”

Mr Kelly said he was very impressed with Bishop’s knowledge of events.

John Bishop discussed the recent history of Derry's Bogside. Picture by James Whorriskey
John Bishop discussed the recent history of Derry's Bogside. Picture by James Whorriskey John Bishop discussed the recent history of Derry's Bogside. Picture by James Whorriskey

“He talked about internment and I was impressed with his interest and the intensity of his questions. It was a lovely visit.”

Stuart Moore of the Apprentice Boys Siege Museum also said the comedian showed a huge interest in the history of the city.

“He was here for about two hours. I showed him round and then we went up onto Walkers’ Plinth (on Derry’s walls overlooking the Bogside) and had photographs taken."

John Kelly, brother of Michael Kelly showing John Bishop the angle of shooting on Bloody Sunday. Picture by James Whorriskey.
John Kelly, brother of Michael Kelly showing John Bishop the angle of shooting on Bloody Sunday. Picture by James Whorriskey. John Kelly, brother of Michael Kelly showing John Bishop the angle of shooting on Bloody Sunday. Picture by James Whorriskey.