Tributes have been paid to comedy director Paul Byrne, who has died aged 44.
Byrne worked with many acclaimed artists including Sindhu Vee, Sarah Keyworth, Larry Dean, Andrew Maxwell, Roisin Conaty and Al Pitcher.
His agents Individual Artist Management said: "Paul was an exceptional comedy director and worked on breakthrough and seminal shows for some of the UK's finest comedy talent. His knowledge and understanding of stand up was unsurpassed as was his ability to help comedians discover their voice.
The list of shows he worked on that were nominated or won awards both in Edinburgh and abroad was extensive, and spoke to his incredible gift at developing talent. The list of talent he worked closely with is almost too long to count but they include Andrew Maxwell, Roisin Conaty, Glenn Wool, Katherine Bohart, Milo McCabe, Larry Dean, Sarah Keyworth, Sindhu Vee, Micky Overman and many more.
He spanned mediums and as a writer he worked on numerous Radio 4 shows including Andrew Maxwell's Late Agenda, Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler and Andrew Maxwell’s Public Enemies.
Away from the stage and behind the camera Paul was invaluable on the set of multiple TV shows. His calm and assured presence and creative input gave talent the confidence they needed to give the best possible performance. He was talent wrangler on ITV's "Show Me the Funny", as ever, helping the comics on their journey, He was intrinsic to the success of Dara O'Briain's Go 8 Bit and he worked extensively on Jamali Maddix's Vice show "Hate Thy Neighbour" both as a writer and producer. Hate Thy Neighbour went on to win critical acclaim and be nominated for a Digital Broadcast Award.
We will miss him greatly."
Countless comedians including Chris Addision, Mitch Benn, Angela Barnes, Karl Spain and Paul Tonkinson sent their condolences.
Dara O Briain tweeted: "This is so desperately sad. Paul Byrne was lovely and funny and always brilliant company; his fine comedy mind guided many shows, (including “Go8Bit”) and he will be missed greatly by the many, many people whose lives he lit up. Deepest condolences to his family."
Omid Djalili called him "a very dear soul with whom I had many laughs at various Edinburgh festivals."
Terry Alderton tweeted: "Such sad news… Paul was (and in my heart) is still one of the very very best and loveliest people I’ve been blessed to have know, work with and share time … my thoughts are with the Byrnes… xxx"
Producer Beth O'Brien, who was his agent until she became ill herself, wrote on Facebook: "For 12 years, he’s held my hand through every heartache and crisis, he’s made me laugh at the most inappropriate yet perfect moments, celebrated every win and joy, offered endless encouragement, support and insight, and has been my fiercest cheerleader as I regained my health and came back to work. It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be his friend. He has made me braver, and kinder, sharper, more empathetic and of course, much, much funnier. My life is infinitely better because of him.
I love you, Paul. Sorry for all the fuss."
Jessica Knappett tweeted: "So sorry. Such a funny, clever man who always brought out the best. I loved being in his company. Sending so much love xxxx"
Robin Ince wrote: "He is a real loss. A lovely person, hugely encouraging, wise and funny. He had a remarkable ability to bring the best out of people and I know he helped many performers stay just about sane when they felt tortured or confused on the Edinburgh Fringe."
His brother, comedian Ed Byrne, tweeted: "Paul Byrne was a lot of things to a lot of people. A talented comedy director and stand up fixer, he was loved by so many. But to me, he was my pain-in-the-arse little brother and I will miss him so much."
