Edinburgh Fringe Review: Tom Stade solemnly swears he's up to no good

EARLY into his set at the Gilded Balloon, Canadian comedian Tom Stade warns the audience: “I’ll joke about anything. If you don’t like that or you’re easily offended, you might as well leave now.”

It’s a warning that makes you think you’re in for an hour of close-to-the-bone jokes which might leave you feeling shocked and uncomfortable.

But this isn’t the case. Yes, Tom doesn’t watch his language and isn’t afraid to be controversial, but the whole show is a joy and rarely veers into dark territory.

It’s still a show that should maybe just be for adults’ eyes only, and try not to have your mouth full lest you find yourself showering the person beside next to you when Tom delivers his next punchline.

‘Who would’ve thought Scotland would be the most liberal country in the world?’: Comedian Tom Stade on Scots and why everything has a funny side

The show hinges on audience participation as Tom chooses people from different stages of life to point out the difference between youth and middle age – a theme at the heart of his material.

While much of the show may be unprintable, the heart of Tom’s material lies in his acute, relate-able observations and the way he delves into marriage, family life and ageing.

Verdict

****

Tom has the swagger of an iconic rockstar and had the audience in the palm of his hand all night. Leave the kids at home and enjoy a night of belly laughs.

tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/tom-stade-i-swear