Tom Stade is the coolest customer on the circuit. His lacks-adaisical, unflustered approach instantly earned him belly-laughs throughout the matinee performance .

The Canadian, or “maple syrup-licking seal killer”, has charm and charisma in abundance that enthralled the audience. He was very ably supported by Ro Campbell. He raised some laughs and, with honing of his stage presence and audience rapport, could be a name to look out for.

The husky drawl of Tom Stade comes, as he puts it, from years of dope-smoking. It is “damage”, not an accent, but it makes his perfectly honed comedy sound deceptively effortless.

He gives uproariously smart and fantastically written observations a jovial playfulness; from the ninja skills needed to Argos to the dangers of a trampoline’s safety-cage.

As a writer for Tramadol Nights, he is no stranger to controversy. His warm, sharp cadence, which occasionally strays into an endearing lisping camp voice, kept the mood euphoric despite subjects like starving children, having sex while your baby is napping and the Taliban – which is apparently Latin for “evil”.

Stade’s presence was masterful. He was friends with the audience instantaneously. One spectator even became a regular hilarious feature as Stade’s friend “Heroin Jimmy” with most anecdotes starting with “What year did that happen, Jim?”

Having worked for 23 years, including tours to Iraq and Afghanistan to entertain troops, he is one of the busiest comedians. Even in York he was doing two shows in one day.

Tom Stade’s poise, panache, and humour were all present: the mood was risible; audience collaboration was sublime; and his tone was full of humanity. He then had to do it all again.

- Jonathan Wilkes