The Stand Comedy Club announces death of legendary Edinburgh comedian Vladimir McTavish
Vladimir McTavish, whose real name was Paul Sneddon, was known as one of Edinburgh’s most seasoned stand-up comedians
Tributes are being paid to legendary Edinburgh comedian Vladimir McTavish after his sudden death at the age of 70.
News of the death of the stand-up comic, who reportedly died after a battle with cancer, and whose real name was Paul Sneddon, was shared on Wednesday, July 1.
As well as being a seasoned name on the Edinburgh comedy circuit performing for decades under the name ‘Vladimir McTavish’, he also performed under the name ‘Bob Doolally’.
Off stage, Mr Sneddon was a board member and recently became the joint chair of The Stand Comedy Club after former SNP MP Tommy Sheppard stepped down from the role earlier this year.
He shared the role with fellow stand-up comedian Jay Lafferty.
Mr Sneddon also served as a columnist for the Edinburgh Evening News for a number of years before his death.
In a statement, The Stand Comedy Club said: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Sneddon known to so many as Vladimir McTavish & Bob Doolally.
“Paul has been a vital part of The Stand since we began and much treasured and loved part of the comedy scene for many years.
“He was as known for his kindness, encouragement and generosity as he was for his immense talent.
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“He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in.
“We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will in time be marking his life appropriately.
“For the time being, all our thoughts are with his family: Christine and his girls Julia and Rosie, as well as his many many friends and fans during this time.”
Mr Sneddon had been due to perform at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his show ‘2026 and the S*** Hits the Fan for Vladimir McTavish’ at The Stand, as well as a showcase show titled ‘60 Minutes About Scotland’.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Sneddon from the comedy world.
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”.