The Scottish comedy community is in mourning following the death of veteran comedian and poet Paul Sneddon, who passed away from cancer at the age of 70 on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Sneddon was widely recognized across the circuit under his prominent stage names Vladimir McTavish and Bob Doolally.
Tributes from The Stand Comedy Club
The Stand comedy club, where Sneddon performed frequently throughout his 30-year career, confirmed his passing in a public statement.
He had previously received the lifetime achievement award at the 2019 Scottish Comedy Awards for his contributions to the scene.
"It's with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Sneddon known to so many as Vladimir McTavish & Bob Doolally," the club stated.
"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."
The venue described him as being known for his kindness, encouragement, and generosity as much as for his immense talent.
"He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in," the statement added.
The management expressed deep grief over losing their long-standing collaborator and extended condolences to his family, including his partner Christine and his daughters Julia and Rosie.
"We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will in time be marking his life appropriately," the club said.
Frankie Boyle Leads Fellow Comedians in Tribute
Fellow comedian Frankie Boyle paid tribute to Sneddon on social media, recalling their shared stage experiences.
Boyle had previously invited Sneddon to feature on his television program Tramadol Nights.
"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!"
Boyle wrote.
He added: "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."
Final Show Scheduled for Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Prior to his death, Sneddon was booked to perform at next month's Edinburgh Festival Fringe at The Stand.
His scheduled show blurb detailed his recent health experiences alongside political commentary.
"A world on life support. A man on borrowed time.
A scathing attack on global politics," the promotional blurb for the upcoming show Vladimir McTavish read.
It noted that 2026 started badly for the planet and for the Scottish Comedy Award-winner, with a camera stuck up his nose leading to three months of chemotherapy.
"But there's more to the story. Relax, this is not another f*cking show about cancer," the blurb concluded.
