Tommy Sheppard has stepped down as chairman of The Stand Comedy Club after more than 30 years of involvement.
Mr Sheppard hands over the reins to a newly expanded board of directors supported by a management team who say that together they will “build on his legacy and vision”.
The first night of The Stand Comedy Club was in 1995 on a September evening in an Edinburgh, Grassmarket pub basement. Seven people came. Three decades later, The Stand Comedy Club has a worldwide reputation for producing live comedy, three permanent purpose-built venues, 30 Fringe Festivals under its belt and provided a platform for countless comics to be seen by an ever-growing audience for live stand-up.
Tommy Sheppard 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….”
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.”
Three new board members have been announced – Gareth Hunter (IT Consultant), Fraser Milroy (Glasgow Venue Manager & Company Production Manager) and Jay Lafferty (Comedian/Writer) who all have a range of valuable expertise and a strong sense of Tommy’s legacy.
Gareth Hunter said: “Going forward we’ll be continuing to build on the commitments Tommy has made possible – ensuring fair pay for our staff, backing new talent, and supporting the wider comedy community that makes all of this possible.”
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.”
Fraser Milroy said: “As an employee of the company I’m delighted to be able to have a place on the board and provide a real link between operation, staff and management. This is a very exciting time for the company and I relish the opportunity to be part of it moving forward.”
For the first time ever The Stand now has a joint chair with Paul Sneddon and Jay Lafferty voted in to replace Tommy.
The Stand will be properly celebrating Tommy’s departure with a testimonial event later in the year.
Tommy Sheppard is the lead SNP candidate on the Edinburgh and Lothians East list, and was until 2024 the MP for Edinburgh East.
