Lions' Den producer was 45

Comedy promoter Tim Rendle, who ran the Lions Den Comedy Club in London, has died of cancer at the age of 45.

He had been diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, and his brother Mark broke the tragic news of his death on Facebook.

He said: ‘’It is with deep sadness that I have to tell everyone that Tim passed away on Saturday afternoon. His illness progressed rapidly, but he was able to spend his last weeks at home surrounded by friends and family, with jam sessions, late night talking and much happiness and laughter.’

Comics were quick to pay tribute to a generous and popular figure on the circuit.

Tania Edwards posted: ‘Gutted to hear this. Tim was an absolutely top bloke and a hero to every new act when I started out with his superb club. Devastating news.’

Daniel Simonsen, who co-starred in Vic Reeves’ and Bob Mortimer’s BBC sitcom House of Fools said: ‘Very sad to hear this. Tim helped me and so many new comics when we were starting out. We were all so scared and Tim was always so sweet and friendly with a big warm smile. Big respect to this man. Thank you Tim for all the good times.’

Leo Kearse added that he was 'one of the few promoters who treated open spots with humanity and love'. 

And  James Loveridge said: ‘Oh my God! I'm so sorry to hear this, Tim gave my first ever gig, my first ever MC gig and first ever preview. He has always been so incredibly supportive for both me and an immeasurable number of comedians, a  cornerstone for the open mic scene in London, giving so many people their first taste of live comedy. Absolutely gutted he's gone.

Established in 2007, Lions' Den, nicknamed the ‘comedy car crash’, ran open mic gigs every Tuesday at  Bar Rumba in Shaftesbury Avenue.

Published: 25 Jun 2018