Would you mind giving us an insight into what your show/event/performance is?
It’s really just a collection of stories and ridiculous observations that somehow all end up making sense… eventually. Like what “progressive” even means anymore, why we’re all somehow busier despite having apps for everything, what happens when your kids become adults and suddenly start explaining life back to you, and whether staying young is actually worth the effort—or if we should just lean into becoming that weird older dude we all secretly promised we’d never become but let’s never forget people don’t buy a ticket because they think, “I’d love to hear someone’s thoughts on being progressive.” They buy a ticket because they trust they’re going to laugh so hard they forget what the show was even supposed to be about.
Tell us about the creative team and the process involved?
Well, I wished I’d had a team but it’s just a little old me and if you must know I write down ideas all throughout the year usually when I’m driving, just kidding I know that’s illegal. Then I bring them to amateur nights work on them just little peace by peace never thinking about the whole hour and then once I’ve got about four or five nice pieces than I try and spin them into something that makes sense… how is that for honesty?
How does it feel coming to (back to) the Fringe?
I always think of the Edinburgh Fringe as the start of my comedy year. It’s like getting a fresh notebook. You can leave the old show behind, start messing about with new ideas and convince myself you’ve finally cracked it. It’s my favourite part of comedy—that excitement of building something new before reality gets involved.
With shows from all over the world at the Fringe, what sets yours apart?
Well, I think that everyone’s unique. Every Performer comes up there with their idea of what Comedy is I don’t even know if there’s any new ideas but there’s definitely new ways to look at something. I mean how many times has the toaster been reinvented
On that, is there anything in the production or production team’s backgrounds which influences the way the show is performed or told?
Forgive me I don’t think this is applicable to me but I’m not a band or big time Drama production I’m just a lone wolf comedian so I am my own influence I’m afraid to say; so nothing to see here.
Is there anything specific you’re hoping the audience will take away?
Everyone’s going to take something different from the show. That’s just the way it is—people can watch the exact same thing and walk away with completely different interpretations. For me, if people leave thinking that, yeah, we’re all different, but we’ve all got these shared experiences that connect us, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
Your Ideal audience is in attendance, who’s watching? Or more importantly – who isn’t…?
Tom Stade fans that’s who’s coming—that’s all that matters. The ones who don’t come are probably at home arguing over what to watch on Netflix, and honestly, that’s their evening sorted. I don’t want to perform for people who aren’t fans of live stand up and personally I prefer just to have a room full of curious weirdos
It’s an intense month, so where you’re able, how do you plan to relax, and are there any other shows you intend to see or want to recommend?
Well I’m 55 years old so anytime I can escape to take a nap that is my plan but if you’re asking me what shows I’d recommend there’s this really cool play called 11 1/2 Angry Men (and yes, I’m in it)… but there’s just so many performers I’d love to see of course: Gareth Mutch, Phil Nichol, there’s an interesting one with Terry Alderton and Joe Pasquale, Mark Maier, Glen Wool, I just like seeing a lot of the old timers do it. I like to watch people who have been doing it for years and see where they are now.
Tom Stade Rules runs at Venue 5, Stand 1 at The Stand Comedy Club
Runs: 5th – 30th August at 20:00pm
Photo credit – Javier Naval & Pablo Orente
Interested in being featured on our Have a Gander page? With many previews and Q&As lined up, we’re always happy to chat about including your show in future articles. Please do get in touch through the contact page to feature in an upcoming ‘Have A Gander’