Classic Interview: Tom Stade – 2017
Comedian's Comedian Returns To the Fringe in 2026
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 and picture above 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!
6. What do your parents/children (delete as applicable) think of your job?
My kids love what I do...it inspires them to realise that being an artist is a viable life choice...and I’ll guarantee you this...they will be more creative than I’ll ever be and I couldn’t be prouder..
7. What’s the worst thing about being a comedian?
Knowing that whatever material you’ve done...you’re never quite satisfied with it...you could of always have done it better...dam hindsight!
8. I think you are very good at what you do (that’s why I’m asking these questions). What do you think of you?
I think I’m great in all aspect of my life...it’s better than thinking I’m shit at life...might as well be confident in what you do...what’s the worst that could happen...you fall short...but I’m super great at falling short..
9. How much do you earn and how much would you like to earn?
Not a chance and I don’t do anything for money...never will I be measured by a pay cheque...I’m too spiritual for a question like that...how much would like to earn Bruce??
10. How important is luck in terms of career success – have you had lucky breaks?
Too a certain point in the beginning of your career ...but at the top there no such thing as luck only talent...Yes that’s I’m at the top of my own game...
11. Alan Davies has said that comedians fall into two categories - golfers and self-harmers. The former just get on with life, the latter are tortured artists. Which are you – or do you think you fit into a third category?
Interesting general sweeping statement about a bunch of creative individuals I’m I fit into a third category ...I’m a golfing tortured artist self harmer
12. Who is your favourite person ever and why - not including family or friends or other comedians?
Vinnie....he owns Franco’s pizza down the road from where I live...he makes great pizza!