Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow - BBC One

June 2009

More Tom Stade videos

Bought up in the backwoods of British Columbia Tom Stade earned his comedy stripes in Canada, where he recorded his own one-hour TV special Stade And Confused for the Comedy Network.

Now largely based in the UK, he is a circuit stalwart who has appeared on stand-up shows The Comedy Store , The Live Floor Show and The World Stands Up .

He made his Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2006 with the show And Relax.

Tom Stade: What Year Was That? in London
Live Review
Leicester Square Theatre

Tom Stade might not be that familiar a name – a McIntryre Roadshow and a couple of other stand-up slots is pretty much all he has on his televisual CV – but that he can play three nights to decent-sized houses at the Leicester Square Theatre should provide heartening proof that quality will always find its audience.

For almost a decade as a stalwart of the British circuit, this audacious, cheeky and sarcastic Canadian has built up a formidable repertoire, epitomised by harsh jokes which he justifies by sophisticated arguments. That way he should appeal to both those seeking the sick, and those seeking the insightful – though they are not always mutually exclusive demographics.

Half of his set is personal; a front-line report from a man deeply embedded in a 16-year relationship, where passionate romance has long been replaced by placid, soul-sapping acceptance. He feels trapped, with his dreams sacrificed and his sex life almost tragic. It makes him bitterly frustrated, which erupts in raw gags that cut very close to the bone. Some of the chuckles are surely bitter laughs of recognition.

On the face of it, he is discussing those most well-worn of ‘men are from Mars…’ topics, complaining, for example, that women talk too much. Yet he approaches with such a fresh angle – a unique theory as to why this might be that has a ring of plausibility – that the gives the routine a real edge.

The same is true of other topics. Fat Americans, airport security and shopping at Primark might be the set list of any lazy McHack comedian, yet Stade creeps up on such topics from the undergrowth, rather that taking the well-worn path to their front door.

His disarmingly charming approach goes a long way, too. When he teeters along the edge of taste and decency – which he so often does – it’s with a snigger in his voice at how naughty he’s being, making his mischievous little gags about Islam or Third World famine.

Some would say this is no ground for comedy, but Stade is unapologetic about the fact that he’s just saying things that amuse him, sometimes precisely because they are verboten.

Another technique – which gives this show his title – is to assume one front-row punter is an age-old friend, Jimmy’, who’s been on many adventures with him. ‘When we went to Somalia, what year was that?’ he prompts, seeking confirmation his tall tales. Even if tonight’s Jimmy was a little slow on the uptake about what was required of him; that provides more laughs. The technique also provides Slade with an instant scapegoat, putting any dubious material on to poor Jimmy’s shoulders.

But when it comes to taking the credit for a bold, brilliantly-written show that forever teases the audience’s expecatations, Stade shouldn’t have to share the plaudits with anybody. This is a genuinely classy, genuinely funny show from a slick pro.

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You are truly a great of your time. I like Lee Evans and Ricky Gervas and have een them both live but when i saw the comedy club routines about eskimos and family etc I thought they were hilarious, insightful and very clever. I can't sit here and analyse why you're funny, all I can do is hope and pray you bring out a DVD because i will be the first in the queue to buy it. Your like a stand-up version of Tommy Cooper without all the props.

gareth hiscox, March 2007

Edgy, spaced out. Resolutely not drunk. Tom was on fine form on Friday night at the Comedy Store. His edgy, slightly "wacked out humour" is definitely worth the experience. In some respects like Bob Schimmel, in others, much gentler, he is nevertheless fully engaging and consistently funny. He does have a few edgy jokes but each is delivered with such aplomb that you adore him more for it and want to remain engaged. See this man!

arvy, October 2006

Gnomic white trailer trash. Written on paper you his material is as thin as that paper. Delivered it is hilarious for some reason tied up with his character (which you would not want to be). He had a 200 size audience on a roll merely discussing a Meat Van in a car boot sale - viewed from American Trailer trash perspective on the bargain seeking propensity of the English. Go see him, if you can beneath his baseball cap, he will assuredly make you laugh - but heaven knows why.

Ben Heal, September 2006

I caught a short set of Tom's at the Phat Cave this year. Out of the twenty or so shows I saw, his was the only one which had me doubled over with tears rolling down my cheeks. Well done, sir.

Dan, August 2006

I have seen Tom Stade only once, and cannot wait to see him again. What a fantastic comedian! I laughed so much i almost wet my pants. Tom Stade is a must-see comedian so go see him now

Sharn W, August 2006

He was the last comedian I saw when I was up in Edinburgh for the festival last week - and I can honestly say the Edinburgh experience ended in an absolute high after seeing this man. I can't remember a time when I laughed so much - the bits about the meat van at Bilston market and the consolidation loans adverts for debt-ridden African governments made me laugh so hard I didn't need to do any sit-ups. I can't fathom why this man isn't hugely famous either, but sometimes it's better that way, as it can be 'our little secret'. Will definitely look out for him again. The man is comedy platinum (as well as being very cute!)

Angie W, August 2006

Saw Tom in Edingurgh on Saturday, best act I saw all weekend!

Mark, August 2006

Saw him at Latitude festival last weekend. Started crying with laughter, then snotting, then just kind of swaying. Amazing.

Roland, July 2006

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