Tributes have been paid to comedy promoter and compere Alan Seaman following his death after a short illness.

He put on gigs across the East Midlands under the Ship Of Fools banner for more than 25 years.

Stand-up Dominic Woodward told Chortle: ‘Alan was mild mannered and charming. As a comic he had a raft of new jokes for every gig and an affable persona that his regular audiences always warmed to. I’ll miss him.’

Comedian and promoter Rob Coleman confirmed the news online, posting: ‘Alan passed away this morning after a short illness. He died peacefully, surrounded by his family, who were able to give him farewell love and hugs. I currently have no words.’

Many colleagues have paid tribute on social media. Among them were Geoff Rowe, the founder of the Leicester Comedy Festival, who wrote: ‘Such very sad news about Alan Seaman. He was a legend of the Leicester comedy scene. Thinking of his family and close friends at this incredibly sad time.’

Comedian Meryl O’Rourke posted: ‘A lot of us who've been going an age ask ourselves why we are still in it - for many of us it's the moments of glory. Alan never seemed to seek glory, but sought a well honed, well run comedy night. The wild men of the circuit may get the glory - but the ones who provide a stage, full audience, good lights & sound and a free cup of coffee are way more essential to us.’ 

Fellow stand-up Steve Day added: ‘Alan Seaman, promoter of wonderful little gigs in nice places and all around lovely man has died. I've worked for him for close to 25 years. I'm totally in shock. I know a lot of you will have known and worked for him too.’

Mike Bottomley – who performs as Spiky Mike and runs the Funhouse comedy gigs across the Midlands – said he was a ‘really nice guy and passionate comedy fan’.

Seaman was also an experienced freelance film tutor who worked in venues across the East Midlands. He conducted a one-day course looking at the portrayal of stand-up comedy and comedians in film just last month, as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival,

No cause of death is yet known