VLADIMIR MCTAVISH: SCOTTISH COMEDY VETERAN AT THE LAST CHANCE SALOON
- Michael Porter
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Its not often you get to fan out on your own blog post, but my next interview is with non other than Veteran Scottish Comedian Vladimir Mc Tavish!
Meet Vladimir McTavish – One of Scottish Comedy’s Last Standing Legends
If you don’t know Vladimir McTavish, then you’ve missed a huge chunk of what made Scottish stand-up matter over the last three decades.
Born in Glasgow, based in Edinburgh, and a regular on the international circuit, McTavish is one of the longest-standing and sharpest veterans in UK comedy. He’s seen it all – from BBC and ITV appearances to the underground stages of the Free Fringe.
A Career Built From Abandoned Sketch Groups
“I came into stand-up by accident,” he says. “I was part of a six-person sketch group, but people kept leaving. We became a four, then a double-act… then it was just me.”
That unfiltered spirit defines McTavish’s career. His earliest influence? Arnold Brown – the softly spoken Glaswegian accountant-turned-comic whose one-liners left lasting scars. "He’s still my comedy hero," Vlad says.
🎤 TV, Radio & Festival Credits
Over the years, McTavish has stacked up a resume that walks the line between underground icon and mainstream gatecrasher:
TV appearances: The Empire Laughs Back (BBC1), We’re On Our Way To Wembley (ITV)
Radio: BBC Scotland’s Live Floor Show, Velvet Cabaret
Regular across BBC Scotland panels and radio comedy
BAFTA-nominated, multiple Fringe sell-outs, and global tours through Australia, Holland, Norway, Ireland and more
WHO ARE YOU AND WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
I’m Vladimir McTavish. I grew up in Glasgow but have been based in Edinburgh for over 20 years.
WHAT FIRST GOT YOU INTO COMEDY? WAS IT A MOMENT, A MELTDOWN, OR JUST MADNESS?
I kind of came into solo stand-up in a sideways manner. I was part of a 6-person sketch show, but people kept leaving. We went down to a 4-person show… then a double-act. When the other guy left, I thought, “Looks like I’m going to have to do this on my own now.”
WHO WERE YOUR EARLY COMEDY INFLUENCES – THE PEOPLE WHO MADE YOU THINK, ‘I CAN DO THIS’?
Arnold Brown. He was already a legend when I started. Gave up accountancy in his late forties to do comedy. His laconic style and killer one-liners made me want to try stand-up. He’s still my comedy hero.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST GIG – HOW BAD WAS IT? OR WERE YOU ONE OF THOSE ANNOYING NATURALS?
I can’t recall all the details, but I do remember thinking, “I’ve got a long way to go if I want to be as funny as Arnold Brown.”
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BEST GIG MOMENT SO FAR – THE ONE THAT REMINDED YOU WHY YOU DO THIS?
Doing my first-ever weekend 20-minute set at The Comedy Store.
AND YOUR WORST? THE ONE YOU STILL WAKE UP SWEATING ABOUT?
Doing my last-ever weekend 20-minute set at The Comedy Store.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF COMEDY FOR SOMEONE WHO'S NEVER SEEN YOU BEFORE?
Seemingly shambolic, but actually reasonably smart with a political twist. Unendingly self-deprecating.
WHAT’S YOUR WRITING PROCESS LIKE – NOTES ON YOUR PHONE, FULL SCRIPTS, OR WINGING IT ON STAGE?
A bit of all three, to be honest. Quite often, the stuff I start out winging on stage ends up being the most long-lasting. I seldom write full scripts.
DO YOU THINK COMEDY IS CHANGING? ARE THINGS GETTING TOO SAFE OR TOO SENSITIVE?
Fucked if I know. It doesn’t feel that different from when I started in the ‘90s. Audiences have always had their triggers. But you can still push the envelope.
WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE COMEDIANS ARE FACING RIGHT NOW?
Other comedians. There’s just too many of us. But that’s not necessarily bad — it keeps you sharp.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR SHOW – WHAT’S IT CALLED, WHAT’S IT ABOUT, AND WHY SHOULD PEOPLE COME SEE IT?
My show’s called 2025 Last Chance Saloon, running 7pm from 31st July to 24th August at The Stand Comedy Club. If people don’t come, it’ll just be me talking in an empty room — which would be totally pointless.
FINALLY – WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOU ONLINE OR IN THE PUB AFTERWARDS?Online:
Facebook: Facebook
Instagram: @vladmctavishcomedy
X/Twitter: @VladMcTavish
Or just follow me into the nearest pub after the show.
Final Word
Vladimir McTavish is the real deal – part satirist, part mischief-maker, and 100% seasoned comic. He’s the antidote to bland, polished comedy. Whether you’re a Fringe veteran or tourist looking for something raw, this is a must-see.
You might not agree with everything he says – but that’s comedy done right.
Catch Vlad Right here at The Comedy Cellar on Fri 25th & Sat 26th July
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