'My Dad was Nearly James Bond' stand-up show in Nothern Ireland, November

11-Aug-2010 • Event

Irish-American comedian Des Bishop is coming to Co Tyrone to perform his latest show.

Tickets have just gone on sale for his November performance of My Dad Was Nearly James Bond at the Alley Theatre in Strabane, Northern Ireland.

This personal show is all about his father Michael who was diagnosed last year with terminal lung cancer and how he nearly landed the part as the world's most famous secret agent.

Bishop's father who is now in his 70s started out as a physical fitness instructor before breaking his back. Spinning around for a new direction he became a model and as a result landed a number of bit parts in films like Day of the Triffids and Zulu.

He was in the same modelling agency as Australian George Lazenby who was to do a one-time turn as Bond in, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Both went for the part and while George Lazenby tussled with Diana Rigg and Telly Savalas, Mr Bishop found himself in the United States.

Married and with children, in 1976 he decided to find more secure work than modelling and doing bit parts and started a career as a retail manager.

Alley Theatre's Nathan Flatman said: "His new stand up show, My Dad was Nearly James Bond, celebrates the life of his father, a man who gave up his successful modelling and acting career to raise his family in New York."

"Des is one of Ireland's most successful comedians, starring in hit shows on RTE, major UK and Ireland tours and his forthcoming Edinburgh Festival show is already selling out, with extra shows having to be added. This is a superb opportunity to see Bishop perform in such an intimate venue, it should not be missed by any comedy fans."

Des Bishop will be performing at the Alley Theatre on November 26 with tickets priced at Â£16.

For more information phone 028 7138 4444 or go online at www.alley-theatre.com.