CANADIAN-BORN and Edinburgh-based comedian Tom Stade says he is just a dude that got lucky.

When he is touring Tom likes to get up close and personal to his audience, to communicate and to see who is there.

He also enjoys hanging out with his fans after the show, so when he comes to Swindon’s Arts Centre on Thursday, September 21 don’t rush off!

Tom is best known for his TV appearances on BBC 1’s Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and The John Bishop Show, but admits that he prefers the freedom of his own tours, watching his words is not easy for him, and colourful metaphors trip lightly from his tongue on stage.

“Your hands are tied on television shows like Live at the Apollo and panel shows are so restrictive.

“I like that we live in a world with freedom of speech.”

His new show, I Swear, represents this ideal in many ways as he promises to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

“I love making shows with double meanings,” he said.

“The new show is about me time travelling to 2017 and being 46-years-old, when I still live in the 1990s in my head.

“Everything is moving too fast and I enjoy being critical of the future. In technology alone I feel as my father did, and get why he got upset,” said Tom.

As for the swearing he says that although he belongs to Generation X, who are politically correct he doesn’t mind speaking his mind.

The comedian left Canada to settle in Britain because he believes in the tide moving you where it will, and he likes to flow with it.

“I feel comfortable with the Brits, I like British ways, they don’t hold back,” he said.

Tom also likes to take people unawares including rock band, Kasabian, when he ended up with them in a hot tub.

“That was at the Q Awards, I pressed it on them for a laugh,” said the comedian.

Tom was co-writer and also starred in Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights.

“Frankie is a good dude, I knew him before he was famous. I was honoured to be asked — he is the kindest man I know,” said Tom.

The comedian also starred in the sit com, The Newsroom, and has had his own online sitcom, MUFF, recorded with Daniel Sloss, another comic heading for Swindon this autumn.

“It’s been running for a couple of years now and is gaining momentum. It is a parody, pretty much of the show business system. I’m proud of it. It is honest.”

Tom will be heading for Swindon following his popular visit to the Edinburgh Festival.

Tickets are £19.50 from 01793 524481 or swindontheatres.co.uk.