Comics pay their tributes

Stand-ups have lined up to pay tribute to Laughterhouse Comedy Club worker Pete Fitzmaurice, who has died of cancer.

He spent a decade looking after the comedians who played the Liverpool venue, from when it was established in 2008 until he became ill.

Club founder Paula Harrington told Chortle: 'Pete was much loved by all the acts. We are all heartbroken and he will be missed.'

She broke the news of his death on social media, writing on a comedians' Facebook forum: 'Deeply saddened today. Last night our beloved friend Pete Fitzmaurice lost his battle to cancer.

'If you’ve ever played Laughterhouse you will remember Pete. He was always there with a kind word and looked after all the acts and audiences.'

Among the comics leaving their condolences were Paul Tonkinson, who wrote: 'So sad to hear this. What a lovely man.'

Mick Ferry wrote: 'Shit. So sorry to hear that, he was such a nice bloke. Sad news.'

Seymour Mace added: 'Awful news. So sorry. Such a kind and thoughtful man'

And comedy manager Adam Rushton said: 'Gutted absolutely gutted. What a beautiful human being he was. Thoughts are with his family.'

Last year, stars including John Bishop, Paddy McGuinness and 1990s band The Farm played a benefit for Pete at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Harrington said: 'It was an amazing night and we raised money to get him the help he needed.'

Pete, who is in his 50s, was the brother of Neil Fitzmaurice, the actor and comedian who played Ray Von in Phoenix Nights and Mark's love rival Jeff in Peep Show – and who is a regular compere at Laughterhouse. Their other brother Tony also does the sound at the club.

Published: 10 Jan 2020