John Bishop’s journey from his first steps on stage to becoming one of the UK’s most celebrated comedians is a story of perseverance, passion, and undeniable talent. In the year 2000, Bishop stood nervously at the Frog and Bucket comedy club in Manchester, a venue known for giving comedians their first taste of performing live. At that point, Bishop wasn’t a household name. He was working full-time in the pharmaceutical industry, a job that paid the bills but left him yearning for something more fulfilling. Comedy wasn’t yet his career, but it was about to become his destiny.
His first-ever comedy gig was performed in front of a small audience, which could have been intimidating for anyone just starting out. Yet, that night ignited something within Bishop. It sparked the beginning of a remarkable career in stand-up comedy, a path that would eventually take him to sold-out arenas across the UK and give him the opportunity to create numerous TV shows, meet influential figures, and connect with audiences in ways he could never have imagined.
Now, 25 years after that fateful night, John Bishop is about to embark on his tenth stand-up tour, fittingly named *John Bishop: 25*. This tour is not just another chance to make people laugh; it’s a celebration of a career that has spanned two and a half decades. To mark this milestone, Bishop has decided to do something special for his fans. Every ticket to see him live will cost just £25—a symbolic price that reflects the 25 years he has spent making people laugh. This move is not only a gesture of gratitude to his loyal fan base but also a way of making his shows more accessible, ensuring that people from all walks of life can join him in celebrating this significant achievement.
The tour will kick off in October 2025 at the Plymouth Pavilions, a venue that will set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable tour. From there, Bishop will travel across the UK, performing in major cities like Manchester, London, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Leeds, among others. Each stop on the tour will give audiences a chance to witness his comedic brilliance up close, to share in the laughter that has become his trademark, and to be part of a show that encapsulates 25 years of experience, stories, and humor.
What makes this tour particularly meaningful is Bishop’s reflection on how far he’s come. When discussing the tour, he expressed genuine amazement at the fact that it has been 25 years since he first performed at the Frog and Bucket. He described the journey as a “rollercoaster,” full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and moments that have shaped him both personally and professionally. There is a sense of humility in his words, as he acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without the support of the fans who have been with him every step of the way. It’s clear that this tour is more than just a series of performances—it’s a chance for Bishop to say thank you to those who have believed in him and supported his comedy over the years.
In reflecting on the early years of his career, it’s fascinating to consider how much has changed for John Bishop since that first gig in 2000. Back then, comedy was a hobby, a way for him to explore his creative side while juggling the demands of his day job. He wasn’t yet a full-time comedian, but his passion for making people laugh was undeniable. Slowly but surely, Bishop began to build a name for himself in the comedy world. He honed his craft, performing at small clubs and steadily gaining a following. His humor, which often draws on his working-class background and his experiences as a husband and father, resonated with audiences. His relatability became one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to connect with people in a way that felt genuine and heartfelt.
As his reputation grew, so did the size of the venues he performed in. Bishop went from performing in small comedy clubs to selling out arenas across the UK. His rise in the world of stand-up comedy was meteoric, and it wasn’t long before he began appearing on television. His first major breakthrough came with the show *John Bishop’s Britain*, a BBC One series that showcased his ability to take everyday situations and turn them into hilarious anecdotes. The show was a hit, and it introduced Bishop to a wider audience, cementing his status as one of the UK’s top comedians.
Television opened up even more opportunities for Bishop. He went on to star in *John Bishop’s Australia*, a travel documentary series that followed him as he cycled across the country, mixing his trademark humor with observations about life down under. He also hosted *John Bishop’s Only Joking*, a Sky One show that featured a mix of stand-up performances and audience participation. These shows, along with *The John Bishop Show* on BBC One, helped to solidify Bishop’s place in the world of British entertainment. His humor, which is often warm and observational rather than cutting or cynical, struck a chord with viewers, and his popularity continued to grow.
One of Bishop’s most critically acclaimed projects was *John Bishop: In Conversation With…*, a series that saw him conducting one-on-one interviews with some of the biggest names in entertainment, music, and sport. The show aired on W Channel and was praised for its intimate format, allowing viewers to see a different side of both Bishop and his guests. In these conversations, Bishop was able to delve into topics that went beyond comedy, exploring the personal lives and experiences of his guests in a way that felt insightful and revealing. This series demonstrated Bishop’s versatility as an entertainer, showing that he could not only make people laugh but also engage in thoughtful, meaningful discussions.
Despite his success on television, Bishop has always remained committed to stand-up comedy. It’s the medium that launched his career, and it’s clear that performing live is still where he feels most at home. There is something special about the connection between a comedian and a live audience, and Bishop has always excelled at creating that connection. His stand-up shows are known for being lively, engaging, and full of heart. Whether he’s riffing on his own life or commenting on the world around him, Bishop has a way of making his audience feel like they’re part of the conversation, sharing in the jokes rather than just being passive spectators.
The *John Bishop: 25* tour will be a chance for fans to experience this connection once again. And while the venues may be larger than the small clubs where Bishop started out, the spirit of those early performances will undoubtedly be present. In fact, one of the stops on the tour is the Frog and Bucket in Manchester, the very venue where Bishop performed his first-ever gig. It’s a full-circle moment for the comedian, a chance to return to the place where it all began and to reflect on how much has changed since then.
But even as he looks back on his career, Bishop remains focused on the future. The *John Bishop: 25* tour is not just a retrospective; it’s also a celebration of what’s to come. Bishop has always been a comedian who evolves with the times, adapting his material to reflect the world around him while staying true to his roots. This tour will undoubtedly feature new material that speaks to where he is now, both as a comedian and as a person, while also paying homage to the experiences and stories that have shaped his career.
As fans eagerly await the chance to see Bishop live, the announcement that all tickets will be priced at £25 has only heightened the excitement. It’s a move that speaks to Bishop’s character—his desire to give back to the fans who have supported him, and his commitment to making comedy accessible to everyone. In an age where ticket prices for live events can often be prohibitively expensive, Bishop’s decision to keep prices affordable is a refreshing change and one that has been met with widespread approval.
Tickets for the *John Bishop: 25* tour go on sale on Friday, October 11, and demand is expected to be high. With performances scheduled in cities across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool, fans will have plenty of opportunities to see Bishop in action. The tour will also make stops in Cardiff, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dublin, ensuring that audiences from all corners of the UK and Ireland have the chance to be part of this milestone celebration.
As John Bishop prepares to take the stage once again, it’s clear that his passion for comedy is as strong as ever. The *John Bishop: 25* tour is not just a celebration of the past 25 years; it’s a testament to Bishop’s enduring love for making people laugh and his unwavering dedication to his craft. Whether you’ve been a fan since the early days or are discovering Bishop for the first time, this tour promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, heart, and a sense of celebration that only John Bishop can deliver.