TOM Stade is an infectious bundle of energy. He talks a million miles an hour, constantly heading off in different directions.

But as he prepares to come to Blackburn next week, he admits he never takes anything for granted.

“I always think that this is never going to last and I’d best make the most of it while I can,” said Tom. “I have been doing comedy since I was 18 and it remains one of my true loves.”

Tom has just embarked on another marathon tour of the UK with his show Tom Stade Rocks.

“I’ll be pretty much on the road until June and I’ll just see how many people want to see me,” he said. “To do this job you have to be a bit of a road warrior and I thrive on it.”

Tom’s new show first saw light of day at last year’s Edinburgh Festival but unlike many stand-ups he didn’t take it on the road straight away.

“I always think of Edinburgh as the start of the process,” he said. “I like to take that material and then put it into the comedy clubs for a couple of months to refine it and make it even better,” he said.

“With any show you have to have some structure and I do have some points I know I have to get to but I also like to be in the moment with an audience. I like to go off at a tangent and see what will happen. Some nights that doesn’t happen but when people get on the same groove as you, you just go with it.”

In spite of the strains of a long tour, Tom is very conscious about always giving his best.

“An audience doesn’t care if you’ve had a bad day or the journey’s been awful. They are excited about seeing someone they’ve paid good money to see and it’s up to you as a comedian not to disappoint them.

“My shows are constantly changing. I film every one and look back and see bits which worked and what I can bring in,” said Tom.

As well as appearances on TV comedy shows such as Michael McIntrye’s Comedy Roadshow and Live at the Apollo, Tom is a prolific comedy writer working with the likes of Frankie Boyle.

“I have no problem writing for other people or giving them ideas,” he said. “If the day ever comes when I can’t write another joke then that is the day I will give up.”

  • Tom Stade, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Saturday, February 23. Details from 0844 847 1664.