Tommy Sheppard Steps Down, New Era for Stand Comedy Club

0:00Tommy Shepard has stepped down as chairman of the Stand Comedy Club after more than 30 years at the helm. The club is now under a newly expanded board of directors and a management team ready to carry forward his work. It all began back in 1995 on a September evening and an Edinburgh pub basement, drawing just seven people. Today, the club boasts a global reputation, three permanent venues and 30 Edinburgh French festivals, launching countless comedians to bigger audiences. Those close to the club pray Shepard's huge impact on live comedy in Scotland and the UK. Managing director Mike Jones called it an amazing contribution since Shepard and partner Jane McCuy started it 31 years ago. The new board includes IT consultant, Gareth Hunter, Glasgow venue manager, Frazier Milroy, and comedian, Jay Lafferti, bringing fresh expertise. Paul Snettin and Jay Lafferti are stepping in as joint chairs for the first time, focusing on fair staff pay, new talent, and community support.

1:02A special testimonial event will honor Shepard later this year, as the club gears up for its next chapter. Shepard, a former MP for Edinburgh East, and now the lead SNP candidate for Edinburgh and Lothian's East, plans to stick around as a fan. That wraps Edinburgh news today, brought to you with AI, I'm Corey, with the story.