Canada's Tom Stade is a familiar figure on the live UK comedy scene, having built himself a reputation as one of the most compelling stand-ups around. Combining wit, charm and attitude he really ought to be a household name in all households who appreciate scalpel sharp satire with an adult edge.
TV viewers will recognise him from Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Lee Mack’s All Star Cast, Dave’s One Night Stand and Channel 4’s Boyle Variety Performance. Behind the scenes he also co-wrote Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights.
This interview dates from 2017. Stade is back at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2026 with Tom Stade Rules, his sixteenth stand-up hour. In his latest show he takes an aim at the nonsense of modern times compared to the old world with contagious charm and incisive, unfiltered wit. From unspoken social codes, cultural quirks, identity, marriage, family life and growing old disgracefully, watch this masterful rebel as he dismantles all the rules - and rebuilds them his way. This show sees Tom going totally rogue – the book being ripped up shredded and thrown away! Rules are made to be broken – and Tom’s an expert.
Tom Stade Rules, Stand One, 8.00pm, 5th – 30th August (not 10th 17th /24th) 5th & 6th August. Tickets: edfringe.com.
And this year Stade is also onstage as an actor. He is one of the stars of ‘11 ½ Angry Men’ at the Pleasance EICC Pentland Theatre from 5th – 22nd August at 2.30pm. For tickets go to www.edfringe.com. More info about that here.
1. What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies, check for spinach between teeth and check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt)?
Remind myself how much I love this business of stand up is and it's about having fun and whatever is going to happen on the night the show will come from that....then breath, smile and wait for my name to be announced
2. What irritates you?
People who get irritated... I'm all about acceptance of the moment...I don't need their self doubt energy around me... That and when my awesome kids don't pick up after themselves..
3. What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Easy...When I gave my heart to another person...each day I can only hope they take care of it the way I would...that and performed on the front line of a war zone in Afghanistan!
4. What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?
Seriously there just too many things I've done to have the most stupidest...maybe cultivating a seriously heavy gambling habit or freaking out my family about how late I am for a gig...driving to the airport thinking I'm going to miss the plane and the gig only to find out I got the dates wrong and the gig was the next day...oops
5. What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?
The fact this became my career...the fact I've seen so many comedians come and go...sort of like storming the beaches of Normandy and after all the carnage your on of last ones still standing...mind blowing!
Read more of this interview here.
