Eddie Izzard, the comedic force of nature, has led an extraordinary life, and here's a glimpse into their mind.
'I once ran 90km in just under 12 hours. That was a tough day.' But what's even more fascinating is their approach to performing Shakespeare's iconic 'Hamlet'. When asked about delivering the famous 'To be or not to be' soliloquy, Izzard reveals a surprising comfort and ease, almost questioning the lack of fanfare. They bring a unique twist each night, drawing from their street performing days, engaging the audience as Shakespeare intended. But here's where it gets controversial—Izzard challenges the modern acting style, arguing that the fourth wall is a recent invention, and they prefer the direct audience interaction of Elizabethan times.
Izzard's pop culture opinions are equally intriguing. They boldly defend George Lazenby's performance as James Bond, praising 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' as a masterpiece. But the real magic happens when they discuss their stand-up routines. The Death Star Canteen sketch is a fan favorite, and Izzard shares how they keep it fresh with deliberate mistakes, even bringing in Daphne du Maurier for a sequel to 'The Birds'.
The conversation then takes a turn to marathons. Izzard has run over 100, and the toughest? The treadmill marathons, due to the lack of scenery. But the real challenge was in Northern Ireland, where a miscalculation turned a near-finish into a grueling six more miles. And in South Africa, they ran 27 marathons in 27 days, including a double marathon on the last day.
But wait, there's more! Izzard is a secret sword-fighting master, a skill showcased in their Hamlet performance. And their fashion sense? Iconic. Many of their amazing outfits are in storage, like the Gaultier piece worn in 'Definite Article', which had a memorable button-sewing incident during a show.
Izzard's stage disasters are equally memorable. From flooding and power outages to crazy lights in South Africa, they always have a ghost story ready. And in the TV show 'Hannibal', they ate mushroom-snails in a scene with Mads Mikkelsen, creating a unique bond.
Izzard's encounters with celebrities are far from cringeworthy. They recall a friendly chat with Brad Pitt at the 'Ocean's 13' premiere, where Pitt insisted on including them in the group photo. And as for a nemesis, Izzard jokingly hints at a possible connection between their career takeoff and Margaret Thatcher's political decline.
Catch Izzard's unique take on Hamlet and their Remix tour in Australia this year. Prepare for an unforgettable experience!
