Stuart Thomas delivers a sharp, unapologetic standup show with "Bad Fatty," diving into life as a fat Welshman. Raised on a sheep farm in Wales, Stuart blends his working-class roots with a modern, no-nonsense take on body positivity. He grabs diet culture by the scruff of the neck, calling out society's absurd expectations of fat people while hilariously jabbing at our thin-obsessed world.

Stuart doesn’t just talk about being fat—he owns it, celebrating the freedom of rejecting conformity. Bisexual and candid about mental health, he explores the intersections of sexuality, body image, and his experiences with depression.

"Bad Fatty" is a bold, hilarious celebration of embracing who you are. Stuart flips fat-shaming on its head, turning everyday experiences into extraordinary moments. A force to be reckoned with, Stuart proves that being a 'bad fatty' is pure joy—and he’s taking no prisoners.

'Made me laugh a lot' - The Scotsman

'An appealing presence with an engaging way of raising an eyebrow to the wry observations he makes' - Chortle

'Impressive as it was impeccable' - Notts Comedy Review

'Bad fatty; great comedian! Oh so freaking funny!' (Sofie Hagen)

July 31, 2025   Binge Fringe

INTERVIEW: A Digital Pint with… Stuart Thomas, on Body Image, Boldness, and Bisexuality

Stuart Thomas is meeting the Edinburgh Fringe head on with fresh new stand-up Bad Fatty, tackling fat-acceptance, queerness, and depression in his signature daft intensity – and a intoxicating measure of welshness in the mix. We caught up with Stuart for a pixellated pint to crack open his fresh perspective on self-acceptance.

You can catch Stuart Thomas: Bad Fatty from August 18th – 24th at Laughing Horse @ City Cafe – Nineties from 20:40 (45 mins). The show is offered free at the point of entry and is non-ticketed, with more information available on the EdFringe Website.

Callie: Hi Stuart! Could you tell me a bit about what inspired the show?

Stuart: I’d long wanted to do my own show but I never had an idea I felt was good enough to take in Edinburgh. The idea for Bad Fatty first sparked when I performed a new joke during Sofie Hagen’s show Sofie Hagen and Her Sexy Friends — the reaction was great, and I realised I might be onto something. The title comes from the idea that if you’re fat and not actively trying to shrink yourself, you’re somehow “bad”. Well… fine. I’ll be the villain — but I’ll make you laugh while I’m doing it.

The show is a fat, queer, Welsh tour-de-force that smashes diet culture, sexuality, and shame — all with sharp jokes and pure daftness. Expect stand-up that’s both personal and playful, with just enough catharsis to make it feel like group therapy (except nobody cries and there’s more jokes).

Callie: I’d love to dive into the process of developing the show – how did it all come together? What’s your approach to workshopping comedy and how have your own experiences shaped the show?

Stuart: It started as a sort of “greatest hits” of loosely tied together club material — but the more I leaned into the specific theme of fatness, the more everything clicked. Weirdly, having a clear subject made writing easier. Instead of being paralysed by infinite choice, I had boundaries to push against — and that’s where the good stuff lives.

Workshopping for me is a mix of gigging, rewriting, panicking, recording everything, and asking trusted pals “Was that bit actually funny or was I just sweaty and loud?” Personal experience shapes the whole thing. I grew up fat, queer, working-class, and Welsh — so shame is my life. But in comedy, I get to translate that shame into silliness. And that’s magic.

Callie: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience?

Stuart: I want fat people to walk out thinking, “Maybe I don’t have to apologise for existing.” And I want everyone else to go, “Oh… I hadn’t thought about it like that.” If people leave laughing but later find themselves side-eyeing BMI charts or Slimming World ads with a new kind of suspicion, I’ve done my job.

At the heart of it, Bad Fatty is about defiance. It’s saying, “I’m here, I’m fat, deal with it.” And if that attitude spreads to more people then I’ll be chuffed.

Callie: With Edinburgh Fringe 2025 just around the corner, what are you most excited for?

Stuart: Where do I start?! This year I’m doing a shorter run — just a week — and a 45-minute show instead of an hour, so it feels like riding a Shetland pony instead of the wild stallion of a full month. But I’m so excited for it. I can’t wait to do the show, host Chonk (my fat-friendly comedy showcase), and see the kind of chaotic, brilliant, and batshit stuff that only the Fringe delivers.

Ofcourse, I’ve got my spreadsheet ready — I do love a good spreadsheet. I’ve already got shows by Paul Campbell and Helen Bauer on my list, and I’m of course excited to see the work of Welsh comics like Leila Navabi and Jake Cornford.

Callie: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?

Stuart: Bad Fatty would be gravy with a shot of tequila in it. Comforting, indulgent, a bit odd — but with a chaotic edge that makes you question your life choices halfway through. It’s warm, weird, and bold as hell – just like Bad Fatty.

Don’t forget to catch Stuart Thomas: Bad Fatty from August 18th – 24th at Laughing Horse @ City Cafe – Nineties from 20:40 (45 mins). The show is offered free at the point of entry and is non-ticketed, with more information available on the EdFringe Website. Click Here For Article

July 28, 2025   Birmingham World

The Midlands Fringe: Stuart Thomas, Bad Fatty

At the heart of Stuart Thomas’ merciless self-mockery is a message any audience can get behind. The desire to be so slim you can slip down a drain and meet the teenage mutant ninja turtles.
In a tirade of gags and one-liners, Thomas presents his self-deprecating and brutal approach to self-love. Taking his audience through the joys and challenges of being Welsh, queer and fat, his work-in-progress show is cheerful and energetic. It is driven by his central premise that there are two types of fat people; ‘good fatties’ who are actively trying to lose weight and hate themselves as society requires, and ‘bad fatties’ who rebelliously do neither. He urges his audience to celebrate the useful contributions to society the plus-sized friend can make, from furniture-strength testing to public transport guards.

With comedy characterised by sharp scorn for slimming world, the term ‘food addiction’ (in which his dealer takes Nectar points) and all things that denigrate the plus-sized body, he makes the insightful hat tip to the women who trailblazed this space before him and must navigate it with more peril than Thomas’ own frivolity. This was refreshing, as many of us know the persona of the cuddly, loveable rogue is not a luxury afforded to everyone.

While a few of the jokes will benefit from more refining as Thomas develops this show up from some of his thinner stereotypes, his show delivered big heart and big laughs.

You’ll never look at a lava lamp the same way again. Click Here For Article