John Bishop filming in Derry and talking to John Kelly. Pictures from Museum of Free Derry Facebook
COMEDIAN John Bishop spent a day in Derry’s Bogside this week 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.
“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.
ALL SMILES – Campaigner John Kelly, John Bishop and Eugene Coyle of Free Derry Tours
“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.”
On its Facebook page, Museum of Free Derry said:
“Staff were delighted to welcome comedian John Bishop to the Museum of Free Derry, where he was filming for his in-depth new documentary series, John Bishop’s Ireland.
“After a tour of the new museum, Bishop spoke at length to its Education Officer and well-known campaigner John Kelly, who lost his younger brother Michael on Bloody Sunday.
“Our huge thanks to John Bishop, his son Joe Bishop and their lovely documentary crew for taking the time to visit and learn more about the city’s civil rights movement.
“Not to mention being so genuinely warm and welcoming to the few local residents who came asking for hugs or photos!”
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