Tributes paid to Martin Cassidy

According to unconfirmed reports, he was found in bed by his mother and a friend, who called at his house after they hadn’t heard from him for several days. The cause of his death is not yet known.

Cassidy started out on the North-West open mike circuit in around 1999, having been inspired by watching Tony Hancock and Les Dawson. He once said: ‘I love Northern comedians like Les Dawson. He was quite ahead of his time doing monologues rather than gags. It's about personality and delivery.’

Cassidy made the final of the 2002 City Life Comedian Of The Year competition and ran his own club in Blackburn, Lock n Load.

Fellow comics were quick to leave their condolences on the Manchester Comedy Forum website.

Des Shaples said: ‘Words cannot be found to express the sadness I feel about this news.My heart goes out to Martin’s family and all that are close to him.’

Ryan Gough said: ‘I will always be grateful to Martin as he gave me my first paid gig - and he comforted me after when it didn’t go as well as expected! R.I.P Martin and thanks for the hard work you did on the comedy scene in the North West.’

And Ian Fox added: ‘I got a text in the middle of night which I didn't look at until this morning. I was hoping that that the text was some stupid pissed-up prank but sadly it isn't. I think he was the first person to pay me for a gig. I am a bit shell shocked now.’

Sam Avery echoed many of the other comments, saying: ‘Martin was on the bill at the first comedy club I ever went to, and he also gave me my first paid slot way back when. Always friendly and up for a laugh. My thoughts are with his family and friends.’

Promoter Wayne Williams added: ‘This is a big shock. Not seen Martin in a while but was a decent bloke to know. He will be missed.’

Published: 9 Jan 2009