The Stand Comedy Club name new homegrown Fringe award in tribute to late comedian 'Vladimir McTavish'
Stand-up comedian Paul Sneddon - AKA Vladimir McTavish - died on Wednesday, July 1
The Stand Comedy Club has named its new Fringe comedy award in honour of late comedian Paul Sneddon, better known to audiences as Vladimir McTavish.
The McTavish Award will run throughout the Edinburgh Fringe festival in August, with a £2,500 prize up for grabs for the best show by a Scottish or Scotland-based comedian.
The Stand Comedy Club said in a statement: “Over a remarkable 40-year career, Paul built a reputation as one of Scotland's most original and fearless comedians, constantly pushing the boundaries of comedy with intelligence, wit and creativity.
“He was an integral part of The Stand's story and a much-loved figure within the Scottish comedy community.
“Beyond his achievements on stage, Paul was renowned for his kindness, generosity and unwavering support for fellow performers.
“He championed Scottish talent throughout his career, and The McTavish Award has been created to honour that legacy by recognising and celebrating exceptional Scottish comedians.”
The comedy club announced the death of Mr Sneddon on Wednesday, July 1.
The stand-up comedian and ex-Evening News columnist, who was 70 years old at the time of his death, was also known for his retired football pundit character ‘Bob Doolally’ and had been an enduring performer on the Scottish comedy circuit for decades.
He was also the joint chair of The Stand Comedy Club alongside fellow comedian Jay Lafferty after former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard stepped down from the role earlier this year.
In tribute to Mr Sneddon following his death, The Stand said that staff were “broken at the loss of our dear friend”, adding: “He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in.”
Other names from the comedy world also paid tribute to the comedian.
Frankie Boyle reminisced on his influence on his early career, saying: “Just a great guy, and such an inclusive person. Made everyone feel welcome, and made me feel I was good enough to do tour supports for him when I wasn’t!
“I used to love, over the years, getting to say “Please Welcome Vladimir McTavish” or “Please Welcome Bob Doolally”. A great comic, a privilege to have known him, love to his family.”
Susan Calman said: “An Icon and legend. The nicest of people and a wonder on stage. He was just such a nice man.”
Tom Stade described him as “not only a great comic, a fabulous friend and he was also one of the OG’s of Scottish comedy, one of the giant shoulders we stand upon”, while Greg McHugh added that he was “the best maniac I’ve ever met”.
Judges for The McTavish Award have also been announced, including Rab Christie and David Kerr from The Comedy Unit, Glasgow International Comedy Festival director Krista MacDonald, DF Concerts programme manager Linzi Wright, One4review director Geoff Evans, Broadway Baby journalist James MacFarlane, and Jay Lafferty.
Rounding out the judging panel is comedian Emmanuel Sonubi, The Stand’s marketing officer Annie MacSorley, comedy writer and reviewer Jay Richardson, and The List writer Murray Robertson.
The winner of the award, which is sponsored by W Edinburgh, will be announced during The List Festival Awards at the hotel on Friday, August 28.
Alongside the £2,500 prize, the winner will also win a Fringe or tour run at The Stand’s venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newcastle and TV or radio development mentoring with The Comedy Unit.