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personal; a front-line report from a man deeply embedded in a 16-year relationship, where passionate romance has long been replaced by placid, soul-sapping acceptance.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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There is a mere handful of comics who could perform in an armchair. This is guy is one of them. He takes you on trip of the ordinary mundane ways of life and makes you aware of the absurdness of it all. All to great effect. Damn funny guy!

Jay Ryan, July 2006

I saw Tom in Greenfield, Oldham. Peter Kay has got nothing on this man - absolute genius

Vanessa O'Connor , June 2006

A great night of comedy at the Bullingdon in Oxford. Tom was excellent and I was proud to be one of the few women who didn't take offense at some of his stuff and queued up to buy his CD. To quote him direct "I don't trust anything I can't laugh at".

Samaire, June 2006

This was a great show.

David Shaw, March 2006

Have to admire the talent but thought some of the material was a trifle crude - loved the travel bits though

Liz, March 2006

One of the funniest comedians on the planet

Funk, February 2006

Saw Tom at Jesters (something of a bearpit in my opinion) in Bristol a fortnight ago. He dealt with savage heckling with aplomb, delivering one of the best acts I've seen in a long time. His insight into the British culture is perceptive and very, very funny. Go see him: you won't be disappointed - unless you are one of the group of teenage hecklers who wanted to show how right on they were and rightly got the savaging they so deserved.

Alan Tovey, February 2006

The best I've seen for a long time. He's fucking great

Celeste, January 2006

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