Tommy Sheppard to retire as chairman of The Stand Comedy Club after more than 30 years
Former MP Tommy Sheppard is stepping down as chairman of iconic Edinburgh live comedy venue The Stand Comedy Club.
The Stand Comedy Club has announced that the long-serving chairman will be retiring from his position after 31 years in the role.
Mr Sheppard and former comic Jane Mackay launched The Stand Comedy Club in 1995 in a Grassmarket pub basement, where the first ever performance was held for just seven people.
The operation has since grown over the past three decades to become a staple of the Edinburgh comedy scene and a key venue at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as expanding to other locations such as Glasgow and Newcastle over the years.
The former SNP MP for Edinburgh East said: “It’s been a blast. But after 30 years I’m delighted to be stepping back and I know I’m leaving The Stand in good hands.
“Mind you, I’m not going anywhere - I’ll still be chortling at the back of the room if they let me.”
His retirement comes as The Stand Comedy Club announces a new expanded board, including adding comedian and writer Jay Lafferty, Glasgow venue manager Fraser Milroy, and IT consultant Gareth Hunter to its ranks.
Jay Lafferty said: “Tommy is leaving the company in a really strong position and I'm looking forward to continuing his legacy of supporting new homegrown talent and producing great live comedy across all our platforms.”
Replacing Mr Sheppard, Lafferty will also hold the role of joint chair alongside comedian Paul Sneddon, who performs under the name Vladimir McTavish.
Mike Jones, managing director, said: “It feels like we should be erecting the blue plaque and more to mark Tommy’s amazing contribution to live comedy in Scotland and the UK since he and Jane Mackay set up The Stand 31 years ago.
“I’m delighted to welcome three new directors to the company and look forward to working with the whole board to take The Stand into the next 30 years.”
The Stand Comedy Club said that a special testimonial event to celebrate Mr Sheppard’s time with the company will be held later this year.