Marriage, family life and the unwritten rules of getting older are in Tom Stade’s sights as the Canadian comedian brings his new stand-up show to Oxfordshire.
The Live at the Apollo and Mock the Week performer will bring Tom Stade Rules to The Glee Club Oxford, based at The Bullingdon on Cowley Road, on Wednesday 18 November 2026. A second Oxfordshire performance follows at Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on Saturday 8 May 2027.
The show follows an Edinburgh Festival Fringe run and forms part of a UK and Ireland tour stretching from September 2026 to May 2027. Tickets are available through both Oxfordshire venues, although prices, booking fees and admission arrangements differ.
At a glance
| Details | Oxford | Didcot |
|---|---|---|
| Show | Tom Stade Rules | |
| Date | Wednesday 18 November 2026 | Saturday 8 May 2027 |
| Venue | The Glee Club Oxford at The Bullingdon, Cowley Road | Cornerstone Arts Centre, Station Road |
| Times | Doors open at 6.45pm; last entry at 7.15pm. A separate start time is not published. | Performance starts at 7.30pm |
| Tickets | £25 plus £2.75 booking fee per ticket, making £27.75 | £25 standard; £22.50 eligible concessions; £20 members. Online bookings carry a £2 fee per transaction. |
| Age guidance | 16+ | Not stated on the current event page. Check with the Box Office before booking for a younger audience member. |
| Running time | Neither Oxfordshire event listing currently confirms a running time or interval arrangements. | |
| Booking | Book the Oxford performance | Book the Didcot performance |
What is Tom Stade Rules about?
The show explores the gap between the rules people grew up with and the expectations they encounter now, taking in social conventions, cultural differences, identity and marriage.
Alongside those wider observations are stories about family life and the sometimes uncomfortable business of becoming the responsible adult. The tour announcement describes a tug of war between youthful rebellion and grown-up obligations, with Stade questioning the assumptions behind both.
It is billed by the promoter as his 16th stand-up hour, following his previous show, Naughty By Nature. The emphasis is on personal stories and observations rather than a single narrative, with changing attitudes between generations providing a recurring theme.
What audiences can expect
Audience interaction is part of Stade’s approach. Reviews of the Edinburgh production describe conversations with people in the room becoming part of the material, rather than sitting apart from the prepared routines.
Writing for Edinburgh Reviews, Alex Jones awarded the show five stars and highlighted its storytelling, observations about family and ageing, and the way Stade incorporated audience reactions into his performance.
Will Quinn, reviewing the show for The Quinntessential Review, also awarded five stars and praised the construction of the material:
“The callbacks are smart; the setups gorgeous; the payoffs cracking.”
Stade’s own website reported that four extra late-night performances were added during the August Fringe run because of demand. Those Edinburgh reviews offer an indication of the show’s style, although the precise material and audience exchanges may vary on tour.
Who is Tom Stade?
Stade moved from Canada to the UK in 2001 and built his British career through the live comedy circuit, festival appearances and television performances.
His television credits include two appearances on Live at the Apollo, alongside The John Bishop Show, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Mock the Week and Channel 4’s Comedy Gala. He also co-wrote and appeared in Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights.
More recent audiences may recognise him from the Have A Word podcast. His touring shows give him more room to develop stories and work with an audience than the shorter sets familiar from television.
A stand-up clip supplied with the tour announcement provides a sample of his comedy before booking. It should not be taken as a preview of the exact material in Rules.
Tickets and performance details
The Glee Club Oxford: Wednesday 18 November 2026
Oxford tickets are £25, with a £2.75 booking fee per ticket, bringing the advertised advance total to £27.75. The booking page lists standard entry and wheelchair entry at the same price.
Doors open at 6.45pm and last entry is 7.15pm. These are the venue’s published admission times, not a confirmed 7.15pm start. Plan to arrive within that window rather than treating the last-entry time as an arrival target.
Seating is unallocated, with theatre-style rows facing the stage. Anyone attending with friends should arrive together and early enough to find seats alongside one another. Access seating should be arranged separately with the venue.
The event is advertised for ages 16 and over. Glee warns that younger-looking customers may need photo identification, so bring an accepted form of ID.
Food is not served at Glee’s Oxford shows. The Bullingdon has a bar, but visitors planning a meal should allow time to eat elsewhere before the admission window closes.
Cornerstone Arts Centre: Saturday 8 May 2027
The Didcot performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £25, with £22.50 concessions listed for students, disabled customers and people receiving eligible benefits. Members’ tickets are £20.
Cornerstone’s published booking policy adds a £2 processing fee to each online transaction, not each ticket. A single standard ticket booked online therefore costs £27, while two standard tickets booked together cost £52.
The venue says it does not charge a booking fee for credit or debit card payments made in person or over the telephone. Its Box Office can be contacted on 01235 515144.
Cornerstone’s bar opens before shows, although the event page does not give a separate doors-opening time.
Running time, language and support acts
Running time: Neither Oxfordshire listing currently specifies the length of the evening or whether there will be an interval. The Edinburgh version was an hour, but that should not be treated as the running time for a touring performance.
Oxford finish time: Glee’s general guidance says its touring comedy shows tend to finish between 9.30pm and 9.45pm. That is a venue guideline, not a confirmed finish for this particular show.
Language: The Edinburgh Fringe listing carries a warning for strong language and swearing. This is not a family comedy show.
Didcot age guidance: Cornerstone has not published a show-specific age recommendation on its current event page. Contact the Box Office rather than assuming another venue’s age policy applies.
Support: Neither local event page currently names a support act.
How to get to The Glee Club Oxford
The Oxford performance takes place at The Bullingdon on Cowley Road. The Glee Club is the comedy operator, rather than a separate building to look for elsewhere in the city.
Planning your Oxford visit
| Address | The Glee Club Oxford at The Bullingdon, 162 Cowley Road, Oxford, OX4 1UE |
| Walking from the city centre | Glee estimates approximately 20 minutes from Oxford Town Hall |
| Walking from Oxford railway station | Glee estimates approximately 30 minutes |
| Bus | Service 5 links Oxford railway station and the city centre with Cowley Road. Check the current timetable and route information. |
| Nearby parking | Union Street car park, OX4 1JP, a short walk from the venue. The council lists 24-hour opening and two disabled parking bays. |
| General Box Office | 0871 472 0400. Calls cost 13p per minute plus the caller’s phone company access charge. |
| Travel and access information | Glee Club Oxford location and accessibility |
Check current parking charges and allow time for the walk to Cowley Road. Anyone travelling by bus or train should also check return services, particularly because the show’s exact finish has not been confirmed.
How to get to Cornerstone Arts Centre from Oxford
For visitors travelling from Oxford, Didcot Parkway is the nearest railway station. Cornerstone puts the walk from the station at approximately seven minutes.
The arts centre is in Didcot’s pedestrianised town square and has no direct road access. Drivers should use a nearby car park’s postcode rather than expecting to drive to the theatre entrance.
Planning your Didcot visit
| Address | Cornerstone Arts Centre, 25 Station Road, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 7NE |
| Nearest station | Didcot Parkway, approximately seven minutes’ walk away |
| Edinburgh Drive parking | Edinburgh Drive car park, off Broadway, OX11 7HS |
| Orchard Centre parking | Orchard Centre car park, OX11 7ND. Check current charges and maximum-stay conditions. |
| Step-free arrival | Cornerstone identifies accessible parking near PureGym on Broadway with a step-free route to the building. Its access information warns of steps on the route from the Orchard Centre car park. |
| Box Office | 01235 515144 |
| cornerstone@southoxon.gov.uk | |
| Directions | Cornerstone travel and parking information |
Accessibility at the Oxford and Didcot venues
The Glee Club Oxford at The Bullingdon
The auditorium is at street level, but there is a single step at the main entrance. A portable ramp is available, and the accessible toilet uses a RADAR key.
Wheelchair spaces are limited. Glee asks customers with access requirements to contact the venue before booking, even though wheelchair tickets appear online. Free companion or personal assistant tickets are available for customers who cannot attend without support.
An individual portable hearing loop can be arranged, but the venue asks for at least a week’s notice.
For access arrangements, call 0121 693 2248 or use the contact details on the Oxford accessibility page.
Cornerstone Arts Centre
Cornerstone has wheelchair spaces in the auditorium, a lift serving all floors and accessible toilets throughout the building. A Changing Places toilet is available on the first floor.
The auditorium uses an infrared hearing assistance system, with headsets available from the Box Office. The venue specifically notes that this is not a hearing loop.
A limited number of seats without armrests can be reserved through the Box Office. Cornerstone’s ticket information also states that carers go free; arrange the appropriate tickets when discussing access needs.
Call 01235 515144 for wheelchair seating and other arrangements. The Cornerstone visitor access page includes a visual story and a link to its detailed AccessAble guide.
Tom Stade Rules: full announced tour dates
The schedule below combines the promoter’s announcement with additional Scottish performances listed on Tom Stade’s official tour page. Individual venue listings confirm the Norwich, Darwen and Alnwick entries.
Performance times, prices and age restrictions vary between venues. Use the official tour page for booking links and check the relevant venue before making travel arrangements.
2026 tour dates
| Date | Town or city | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 27 September | Stockton-on-Tees | ARC |
| 8 October | Carlisle | Old Fire Station |
| 11 October | Belfast | Mandela Hall |
| 15 October | Leeds | Glee Club |
| 16 October | York | York Barbican, YO1 Lounge |
| 17 October | Darwen | Darwen Library Theatre |
| 18 October | Birmingham | Glee Club |
| 21 October | Swansea | Problematic Pub Comedy Club |
| 22 October | Frome | Cheese & Grain |
| 23 October | High Wycombe | Old Town Hall |
| 25 October | Worcester | Huntingdon Hall |
| 29 October | Southampton | The Attic |
| 30 October | Bournemouth | Pavilion |
| 31 October | Exeter | Northcott Theatre |
| 1 November | Leamington Spa | Royal Spa Centre Studio |
| 4 November | Cardiff | Glee Club |
| 6 November | Ivybridge | The Watermark |
| 7 November | Basingstoke | The Haymarket |
| 8 November | Bromsgrove | Artrix |
| 11 November | Chelmsford | Chelmsford Theatre |
| 12 November | Guildford | G Live, Bellerby Studio |
| 13 and 14 November | London | Leicester Square Theatre |
| 18 November | Oxford | The Glee Club at The Bullingdon |
| 19 November | Reading | Just the Tonic |
| 20 November | Cheltenham | Parabola Arts Centre |
| 22 November | Swindon | Arts Centre |
| 25 November | Lincoln | Engine Shed |
| 26 November | Sheffield | Memorial Hall |
| 27 November | Leek | Foxlowe Arts Centre |
| 28 November | Galway | Róisín Dubh |
| 29 November | Dublin | The Sugar Club |
| 4 December | Wolverhampton | Wulfrun Hall |
| 6 December | Newcastle | The Stand |
| 9 December | Glasgow | Glee Club |
| 13 December | Edinburgh | The Stand |
2027 tour dates
| Date | Town or city | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 28 January | Montrose | Playhouse |
| 29 January | Irvine | Volunteer Rooms |
| 30 January | Biggar | Municipal Hall |
| 4 February | Dunoon | Queen’s Hall |
| 5 February | Cumbernauld | New Town Hall |
| 6 February | Bo’ness | Town Hall |
| 11 February | Greenock | Town Hall |
| 12 February | Dunfermline | Baldridgeburn Centre |
| 13 February | Dumbarton | Denny Civic Theatre |
| 18 February | Kirkintilloch | Broadcroft Hotel |
| 19 February | Lockerbie | Town Hall |
| 20 February | Cupar | Corn Exchange |
| 25 February | Hamilton | The Function Rooms |
| 26 February | Markinch | Town Hall |
| 27 February, 6.30pm | Boat of Garten | Boat Hall |
| 27 February, 9.30pm | New Elgin | Town Hall |
| 4 March | Newport-on-Tay | Blyth Hall |
| 5 March | Troon | Concert Hall |
| 6 March | Blairgowrie | Town Hall |
| 11 March | Galashiels | Volunteer Hall |
| 12 March | Larbert | Dobbie Hall |
| 13 March | Tillicoultry | Devonvale Hall |
| 21 March | Bath | Komedia |
| 22 March | Norwich | Norwich Theatre Playhouse |
| 24 March | Poole | Lighthouse |
| 25 March | Fareham | Fareham Live, Studio One |
| 26 March | Cambridge | Junction |
| 27 March | Southend-on-Sea | Palace Theatre |
| 28 March | Stafford | Gatehouse Theatre |
| 1 April | Alnwick | Alnwick Playhouse |
| 2 April | Chorley | Chorley Theatre |
| 3 April | Kendal | Brewery Arts |
| 8 April | Erskine | Erskine Arts |
| 9 April | Aberdeen | The Lemon Tree |
| 10 April | Inverness | Eden Court, OneTouch Theatre |
| 14 April | Northampton | Royal & Derngate |
| 15 April | Salford | Lowry |
| 16 April | Salisbury | Arts Centre |
| 17 April | Bristol | Bristol Beacon |
| 21 April | Brighton | Forge |
| 22 April | Tunbridge Wells | Trinity Theatre |
| 23 and 24 April | Hemel Hempstead | Old Town Hall |
| 25 April | Nottingham | Just the Tonic at Broadway Cinema |
| 28 April | Hull | Social |
| 29 April | Bradford | The Studio |
| 30 April | Helmsley | Arts Centre |
| 6 May | Kidderminster | Town Hall |
| 7 May | Bedford | Quarry Theatre |
| 8 May | Didcot | Cornerstone Arts Centre |
| 12 May | Keswick | Theatre by the Lake |
| 13 May | Barnard Castle | The Witham |
Tour dates and booking availability can change. Inclusion in the schedule does not mean tickets are currently available for every performance.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tom Stade performing in Oxfordshire?
He brings Rules to The Glee Club Oxford on Wednesday 18 November 2026 and Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot on Saturday 8 May 2027.
Where is The Glee Club Oxford?
Glee’s Oxford shows take place at The Bullingdon, 162 Cowley Road, OX4 1UE.
What time should Oxford ticket holders arrive?
Doors open at 6.45pm and last entry is 7.15pm. Arrive within that admission window. The listing does not give a separate performance start time.
What time does the Didcot show start?
The Cornerstone performance begins at 7.30pm.
Is Tom Stade Rules suitable for children?
The Oxford performance has a minimum age of 16, and the Edinburgh show was advertised with a strong-language warning. Cornerstone has not published a show-specific age guide, so check directly before booking for a younger person.
How long is the show, and is there an interval?
The Oxford and Didcot listings do not currently confirm either detail. Check with the relevant venue before arranging a time-sensitive return journey.
Can I choose my seat at the Oxford show?
Standard seating is unallocated and taken on a first-come basis. Customers needing a particular position for access reasons should contact Glee before booking.
Are wheelchair spaces and companion tickets available?
Both venues provide wheelchair seating and arrangements for customers who need assistance. Contact the relevant Box Office before booking to secure a suitable space and discuss companion tickets.
Where can tickets be booked?
Use the Glee booking page for Oxford or the Cornerstone event page for Didcot. Didcot tickets can also be booked by calling 01235 515144.
Prices, booking policies and visitor information checked on 23 September 2026. Confirm current details with the venue before booking or travelling.
