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personal; a front-line report from a man deeply embedded in a 16-year relationship, where passionate romance has long been replaced by placid, soul-sapping acceptance.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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Nice job. Very funny, I was busting a gut all the way through. A true connection with the audience.

Dave, November 2005

I seen tom on the Comedy Now network the other day - man talk about a hack comic. He used 'Did you ever notice...' twice, Please, Tom, tell me more about relationship problems...

[Anon], October 2005

The funniest comedian I have ever seen.

Yan Vaillancourt, October 2005

Mr Stade is one of the funniest comedians, I have ever seen. He can make the dullest subjest into a hilarious piece of comic genius.

Matt Colman, October 2005

Just saw Tom in St Helens as a warm up man for Jonny Vegas. Unfortunately for Vegas, Tom stole the show! Good work fella

Mark G, September 2005

Quite simply, the funniest man walking the earth today. Saw him at the Hyena cafe in Newcastle and I am still laughing now. I cannot sing this guys praises enough. Can't wait to see him again.

Glyn, September 2005

The guy is a genius. He had me doubled over with a silly song about getting drunk and haggling over the price of a stapler at a car-boot sale. You can't make this stuff up.

Damon Mackay, August 2005

Just saw Tom at a Jongleurs On The Road night and was hugely impressed. Warm, original, a great raconteur and most importantly, very funny.

Nione, July 2005

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