Eddie Izzard, the renowned comedian and actor, has an incredible story to tell. A true testament to the power of performance and the human spirit, Izzard's journey is both inspiring and entertaining.
When she took on the iconic role of Hamlet, a one-woman show, Izzard approached the famous soliloquy, "To be or not to be," with a unique twist. She explained, "Each night, I deliver it slightly differently, hoping to surprise the audience and keep them on their toes." This approach, she believes, adds a layer of authenticity to her performance, engaging the audience in a way that traditional theater often lacks. But here's where it gets controversial... Izzard challenges the notion of the "fourth wall," a concept popularized in the 1800s, suggesting that actors in Shakespeare's time performed to, not at, the audience. "I bring the audience into my brain, into Hamlet's brain," she says, creating an intimate connection with her viewers.
In a world of pop culture opinions, Izzard stands by her belief that George Lazenby's portrayal of James Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was excellent. "It's a beautiful film," she says, "with a tragic ending that I've loved since I first saw it as a child." This opinion, while not universally shared, highlights Izzard's unique perspective and her ability to form strong connections with her favorite art.
On her Remix tour, Izzard revisits some of her most beloved stand-up routines, offering new spins and fresh perspectives. One routine that has stood the test of time is "The Death Star Canteen." Izzard explains, "I slow it down, almost like a German torch song, and tell the story of Darth Vader celebrating his victory, only to be met with a stubborn cafeteria worker who insists he needs a tray." This routine, a play on Madonna's remix of "Like A Virgin," showcases Izzard's creativity and her ability to find humor in unexpected places.
But it's not all about comedy. Izzard is also an accomplished athlete, having run over 100 marathons. When asked about the toughest, she recalls a marathon in Northern Ireland, where she realized, after reaching the top of a hill, that she had six more miles to go. "When you think you're finished, six miles becomes a grueling journey," she says. Another challenging run was a double marathon in South Africa, where she covered 90km in just under 12 hours. "That was a tough day," she admits.
In addition to her comedic and athletic talents, Izzard is also a skilled sword fighter. In Hamlet, she has a sword fight against herself, a secret talent she keeps hidden from the audience. "I was a sword fighter in Covent Garden for a couple of years," she reveals, "so I know what I'm doing."
Izzard's fashion sense is also a topic of interest. Many of her iconic outfits from her specials are now in storage, including some great pieces by Gaultier. One particular coat, worn in "Definite Article," had a memorable moment when a button fell off during a performance. Izzard decided to sew it back on in real time, committing to the moment and creating a unique, funny memory.
Onstage disasters are a part of any performer's journey, and Izzard has her fair share of stories. One time, the theater flooded, leaving her with just one light on stage. "Let's do ghost stories!" she exclaimed, and proceeded to make up stories while the lights were being fixed. Another time, in South Africa, the lights went crazy, and she used her phone light to continue the show, another creative way to overcome adversity.
In the TV series "Hannibal," Izzard's character, Abel Gideon, has a gruesome scene where he eats snails that have been feeding on his severed body parts. Izzard reveals that she actually ate mushrooms that looked like snails, a challenging and memorable experience. "Sparring with Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal Lecter) was a highlight," she says, "even though the show was very scary."
As for cringeworthy run-ins with celebrities, Izzard has none to speak of. In fact, one of her most memorable encounters was with Brad Pitt at the opening of "Ocean's 13." Pitt, going through a relationship issue, didn't want to do the red carpet, so he plopped himself next to Izzard, and they had a chat. "He dragged me into the group photo," she says, "and it was a nice moment."
Izzard doesn't have a nemesis, but she does admit to not aligning with Margaret Thatcher's politics. "Her career stopped, and mine started taking off," she says, "a coincidence, perhaps, but an interesting one."
Eddie Izzard's journey is a fascinating blend of comedy, athleticism, and unique perspectives. Her performances, whether on stage or screen, are a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with audiences in unexpected ways. Catch her Hamlet show at the Sydney Opera House (June 9-21) and Arts Centre Melbourne (June 30 - July 12), and her Remix tour across Australia (May 6-16).
And this is the part most people miss... Izzard's story is a reminder that success often comes with a unique perspective and a willingness to take risks. So, what do you think? Is Izzard's perspective on pop culture, performance, and life worth celebrating? Share your thoughts in the comments!
