Tommy Shepherd

In a world where even the fringe of a festival has evolved to feel like a corporate entity there are still a few people who feel like they are in touch with reality, even when they hold real sway in the comedy genre.

Tommy Shepherd is one of those people. With his Edinburgh venue The Stand, which was formed in 1995, he has helped create what is arguably considered the most trusted venues at the Fringe and is regularly lauded by performers for the care and attention that any acts are given.

By the turn of the century The Stand was established in Glasgow as well as Edinburgh, and in 2011 a new club opened in Newcastle, which together helps Shepherd shift over 12,000 comedy tickets a month.

With his company, Salt’n’Sauce taking the reigns of the newly refurbished Assembly Rooms and a place on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival Society Board confirmed last year, Shepherd has risen up in the echelons of comedy over the past twelve months.