Eddie Izzard, the renowned comedian and actor, has a unique perspective on performing and life. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on various topics, from her one-woman show to her love for James Bond.
The Comfort of Performing Hamlet
When asked about her experience performing Hamlet, Izzard reveals an unexpected comfort. She felt right at home, almost too comfortable for such a renowned role. It was as if the iconic lines, like "To be or not to be," were familiar friends. But here's where it gets intriguing: she approached each performance with a fresh take, ensuring the audience experienced something new each night.
Izzard's approach to acting is unique. She believes in engaging with the audience, much like the actors of Shakespeare's time. She brings the audience into her world, making them a part of the performance.
Unpopular Opinion: George Lazenby as James Bond
Izzard boldly states her appreciation for George Lazenby's portrayal of James Bond in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." She argues that the film, often overlooked, is a masterpiece. With Telly Savalas and Diana Rigg delivering stellar performances, Izzard believes it's a great addition to the Bond franchise.
The Longevity of Stand-up Routines
On her Remix tour, Izzard performs updated versions of her classic stand-up routines. One routine that has stood the test of time is "The Death Star Canteen." Izzard takes inspiration from Madonna's remix of "Like A Virgin" to give this routine a unique twist. She imagines Darth Vader, after destroying Alderaan, celebrating in the Death Star's cafeteria, engaging in a hilarious power struggle with a cafeteria worker.
The Art of Storytelling
Izzard believes that even if a performance goes wrong, the audience will still enjoy it because they've seen it done right so many times. So, she deliberately makes her routines go awry, adding an element of surprise. In one instance, she introduces Daphne du Maurier into the Death Star canteen, setting up a sequel to "The Birds."
The Fun of Evil Giraffe
"Evil Giraffe" is one of Izzard's beloved routines. The idea of an evil giraffe, with its peculiar behavior and a pencil-thin mustache, is both bizarre and entertaining.
The Challenges of Marathon Running
Izzard, an experienced marathon runner, has faced her fair share of challenges. Running marathons on a treadmill was a tricky experience, with nothing to distract from the monotony. But the toughest marathon was in Northern Ireland, where she realized, after reaching the top of a hill, that she had miscalculated and had another six grueling miles to go.
She also mentions running a double marathon in South Africa, covering 90km in just under 12 hours.
Secret Skills: Sword Fighting
Izzard reveals a hidden talent: sword fighting. In her performance of Hamlet, she has a sword fight against herself, showcasing her skill. She spent years as a sword fighter in Covent Garden, so her expertise is genuine.
Fashion and Storage
Izzard's iconic fashion choices are often talked about. Many of her memorable outfits are now in storage, including some Gaultier pieces. She recalls a moment when a button fell off during a performance, and a kind audience member threw a sewing kit onto the stage, leading to a unique moment of live sewing.
Onstage Disasters and Ghost Stories
Izzard has had her fair share of onstage disasters. One time, the theatre flooded, leaving her with just one light on stage. She turned it into an opportunity, telling ghost stories to keep the audience engaged. Another time, in South Africa, the lights went crazy, and she used her phone light to continue the show, another creative solution to a technical glitch.
The Hannibal Experience
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. In reality, she was eating mushrooms made to look like snails. She enjoyed the scene, especially the opportunity to spar with Mads Mikkelsen, who played Hannibal Lecter.
A Heartwarming Celebrity Encounter
Izzard shares a heartwarming encounter with Brad Pitt at the opening of Ocean's 13. Despite being a small supporting role, she didn't want to draw attention to herself. But Brad Pitt, going through a rough patch, sought her out, and they ended up chatting together. When it was time for a group photo, Brad insisted Izzard join him, making it a memorable and kind moment.
Politics and Personal Growth
Izzard's career took off around the same time Margaret Thatcher's political career ended. While she doesn't believe the two events are linked, she does admit to not aligning with Thatcher's politics.
Eddie Izzard's unique perspective and approach to life and performance make her a captivating figure, leaving us with much to ponder and discuss.
