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personal; a front-line report from a man deeply embedded in a 16-year relationship, where passionate romance has long been replaced by placid, soul-sapping acceptance.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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Funniest, randomest stand up i've seen since Mitch Hedburg.

Welsh, July 2005

Superb. Had the audience in stitches the whole time. It was hurting laughing at him so much. Painfully funny observations delivered in a very watchable style. If you have a chance to see him, do so - you won't be disappointed.

D, April 2005

Just watched Tom perform on telly and he had me in stiches. Hopefully he will come and do a show in my neck of the woods as I would love to see him do a whole show other than 10mins on telly. A brilliant performance especially about the walrus.Top stand up.

Paul Russell, March 2005

Watched Tom at the Comedy Store in London last weekend and had to hold my cheeks (the ones on my face I mean!) coz they were aching from laughing so much! Sir Tom, you are truly hysterical, one of the funniest people I have ever seen.

Kath Christmas, March 2005

I saw Tom at the Stand Club in Glasgow on Friday night. It has been some time since I saw someone so hilarious and charismatic.One of the funniest stand-ups I have ever seen.

Johnny, February 2005

Thoughout my career I've had so many different friends from so many different cultures and the only thing I've ever done was try to bring people closer together. I'm not one to say that people aren't allowed to have their say because they are, but please make sure you know the person before you say what you have said because they're just travel stories that help people understand other cultures in a fun way. Whether it crossing the Pakistan/India border to buying a house in a drug ridden part of Newcastle or taking my driver's test in Lagos. I think it just brings us closer together when we can have a laugh at ourselves. Actions will always speak louder than words and my actions are telling the world no matter where you go people are the same going throught the same things.

Tom Stade, December 2004

I was also at the gig in Dudley and I marvel at the idiocy of someone who could not appreciate the incredible wit of this fantastic comedian. Not only that, but to flat out lie on here about what he said is unbelievable. He is not racist. He did not at any point say anything derogatory or bigoted and how you can take his wonderfully incisive material and say that it was 'dodgy' therefore totally missing the subtleties of this superb act is beyond me. I don t believe anyone was uncomfortable, I saw nothing but happy hysterical people round the room. You are the problem sir not Tom Stade - he was busy being perceptive and extremely funny while you were looking for 'persecutions' that weren't ever there. Learn to laugh - the world will be a better place.

Lucy, December 2004

Very, very funny.

Geoff Taylor, December 2004

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