Eddie Izzard, the renowned comedian and actor, has a fascinating story to tell. From her unique take on Shakespeare to her incredible athletic feats, Izzard's journey is a testament to her versatility and talent.
Unleashing the Power of Performance
When Izzard took on the iconic role of Hamlet, she approached it with a fresh perspective. Instead of the traditional fourth-wall approach, she engaged directly with the audience, bringing them into the world of Shakespeare.
"I come to 'to be' in a slightly different way each night. I want the audience to feel like they're experiencing it for the first time, just like I did."
Izzard's street performing background gave her an edge, allowing her to connect with the audience in a way that felt natural and authentic.
A Controversial Bond Opinion
But here's where it gets controversial... Izzard dares to disagree with the popular opinion on James Bond. She believes George Lazenby's performance in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was underrated.
"It's a beautiful film. The ending is tragic, and I loved it from the moment I saw it."
This opinion might spark some debate, but Izzard stands by her choice, citing the film's impact on her love for the Bond franchise.
The Evolution of Stand-Up
On her Remix tour, Izzard revisits her classic routines with a twist. One of her most famous bits, "The Death Star Canteen," gets a makeover, inspired by Madonna's remix of "Like a Virgin."
"I bring in Daphne du Maurier to the Death Star canteen, and she's got a sequel to 'The Birds' up her sleeve. It's a fun way to play with expectations."
Izzard's ability to adapt and reinvent her material keeps her comedy fresh and exciting.
The Marathon Challenge
And this is the part most people miss... Izzard is also an ultra-marathon runner, having completed over 100 marathons. Her toughest challenge? Running a marathon on a treadmill, where the lack of scenery made it a mental battle.
"The hardest marathon was in Northern Ireland. I thought I'd finished, but I had six more miles to go. That's when it gets gruelling."
Izzard's determination and resilience shine through in her athletic pursuits, just as they do on stage.
A Secret Talent Revealed
In Hamlet, Izzard showcases her secret talent - sword fighting. She trained as a sword fighter in Covent Garden, but her skill remains hidden in the play.
"It's a fun challenge to fight against myself on stage. No one knows I can do it, but it adds an extra layer of excitement."
Izzard's versatility knows no bounds, as she seamlessly transitions from comedy to dramatic roles.
Fashionable Memories
Izzard's iconic fashion choices in her specials are a topic of conversation. Many of those outfits are now in storage, but one particular Gaultier piece stands out.
"It was an orange coat with great shoulders. On press night, a button fell off, and I decided to sew it back on during the show. It's a memorable moment, and that coat still bears the stitches."
Izzard's willingness to embrace fashion as a form of self-expression adds another layer to her charismatic persona.
On-Stage Disasters and Creative Solutions
Izzard has faced her fair share of on-stage disasters, but her quick thinking always saves the day. From a flooded theatre to crazy lighting in South Africa, she adapts and turns these challenges into unique performances.
"Ghost stories to the rescue! I've found that telling ghost stories is my go-to when things go wrong. It's a fun way to keep the show going."
Izzard's ability to think on her feet and engage with the unexpected is a testament to her skill as a performer.
A Memorable Scene in Hannibal
In the TV series Hannibal, Izzard's character, Abel Gideon, has a gruesome encounter with snails that have been feeding on his severed body parts. But what did she actually eat?
"They gave me mushrooms that looked like snails. It was a challenging scene, but I loved working with Mads Mikkelsen. The whole experience was a blast, even with the horrible subject matter."
Izzard's dedication to her craft shines through, even in the most gruesome of scenes.
A Heartwarming Celebrity Encounter
Contrary to the typical cringeworthy celebrity run-ins, Izzard shares a heartwarming story. At the opening of Ocean's 13, she found herself standing next to Brad Pitt, who was going through a rough patch and didn't want to do the red carpet.
"He plopped himself next to me, and we just hung out, chatting. When it was time for the group photo, he insisted I join him. It was a lovely, unexpected moment."
Izzard's humility and respect for her fellow celebrities make her a beloved figure in the industry.
A Political Nemesis
Izzard's political views differ from those of Margaret Thatcher, and she admits that her career took off around the time Thatcher's career ended.
"I don't think it was linked, but it's an interesting coincidence. Her politics and mine didn't align, and I'm glad to have found my voice in a different era."
Izzard's honesty and willingness to discuss politics add depth to her character, showing that she's more than just a comedian.
Catch Eddie Izzard's Hamlet at the Sydney Opera House from June 9-21, and her Remix tour across Australia from May 6-16. It's a unique opportunity to experience her talent and versatility up close.
