The UK comedy world is mourning the loss of Warren Lakin, a revered promoter and the long-term partner of the comedian Linda Smith. He has died at the age of 71 from a respiratory tract infection.
A Life Shaping Laughter and Legacy
For decades, Warren Lakin was a driving force behind the scenes of British comedy. He co-ran Lakin McCarthy Productions with Mike McCarthy, promoting tours and live shows for a who's who of comedic and literary talent. His roster included Barry Cryer, Susan Calman, Andy Hamilton, Robin Ince, Ruby Wax, and Jon Ronson.
His most significant personal and professional partnership was with the celebrated comedian and broadcaster Linda Smith. The couple met in the early 1980s as founder members of the left-wing Sheffield Popular Theatre. This group not only staged plays but also hosted the cabaret nights where Linda first performed her stand-up routines.
Curating a Comedy Legend's Memory
After Linda Smith's death from ovarian cancer in 2006, Lakin dedicated himself to preserving her legacy with characteristic vigour. He authored a well-received biography, Driving Miss Smith, in 2007. He also produced CDs and a book of her material and organised a series of tribute shows that raised funds for Target Ovarian Cancer.
His most enduring contribution to comedy history came from donating Linda Smith's personal archive to the University of Kent. This generous act directly inspired the creation of the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive, a vital repository for the history of UK stand-up. From 2015, he also co-ran the annual Linda Smith Lecture in Canterbury, featuring speakers like Mark Thomas, Jo Brand, and Bridget Christie.
From Hackney to the Heart of Showbusiness
Born into a Jewish family in Hackney, London, Warren grew up in the Southend area. After leaving Westcliff High School for Boys, he began his career in journalism with the East London and Essex newspaper group. Politically active from a young age, he became an NUJ shop steward at just 20.
His passion for promotion soon took over. After working with the theatre company Cast on their influential New Variety shows—a key part of the 1980s alternative comedy circuit—he moved to Sheffield to study. Meeting Linda Smith there led him to abandon his degree and focus fully on Sheffield Popular Theatre and promotion.
Colleagues remember him as a uniquely warm, chatty, and kind figure in showbusiness, known for epic phone conversations covering everything from jazz and politics to cricket and his beloved Arsenal FC.
Warren Lakin is survived by his partner, Debra Reay, his brother, Tony, and his sister, Tina.
