Eddie Izzard once quipped, ‘I ran 90km in just under 12 hours—talk about a grueling day!’ But beyond her endurance feats, Izzard’s journey through performance, pop culture, and personal challenges is equally captivating. Here’s the part most people miss: her unique approach to Shakespeare’s Hamlet and her bold take on James Bond. Let’s dive in.
When Izzard tackled her one-woman Hamlet, she expected to feel intimidated by the iconic lines, like ‘To be or not to be.’ But surprisingly, she felt right at home. ‘I thought I’d be terrified, but instead, I felt at ease,’ she recalls. Yet, when she first delivered that famous soliloquy on stage, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—like a dramatic klaxon should sound. Each night, she approaches the line differently, ensuring the audience experiences it anew. ‘I’m not performing at them, but with them,’ she explains, breaking the fourth wall to engage directly, just as actors did in Shakespeare’s time. Controversial take: Izzard believes modern actors overdo the dramatic pauses and skyward gazes, losing the connection with the audience. What do you think—is breaking the fourth wall a betrayal of traditional theater, or a refreshing return to its roots?
Shifting gears, Izzard’s pop culture opinions are just as bold. She defends George Lazenby’s portrayal of James Bond in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, a film often overlooked. ‘Telly Savalas and Diana Rigg were brilliant, and the ending is heartbreaking,’ she insists. But here’s where it gets controversial: she argues Lazenby’s single outing as Bond is underrated. Do you agree, or is Sean Connery the undisputed king of 007?
On her Remix tour, Izzard revisits beloved stand-up routines, like The Death Star Canteen, with a twist. Inspired by Madonna’s remix of Like a Virgin, she reimagines Darth Vader’s post-Alderaan celebration, complete with a sassy cafeteria worker demanding, ‘You need a tray!’ And this is the part most people miss: Izzard intentionally ‘breaks’ the routine, adding unexpected elements like Daphne du Maurier writing a Birds sequel. It’s a risk, but one she believes keeps the material fresh. What’s your take—does tinkering with classics ruin them, or breathe new life into old favorites?
Beyond comedy, Izzard’s marathon feats are legendary. She’s run over 100 marathons, but the hardest? A treadmill marathon. ‘There’s nothing to look at—it’s brutal,’ she warns. Yet, her most grueling run was in Northern Ireland, where a miscalculation left her with six unexpected miles. ‘When you think you’re done, those extra miles feel endless,’ she admits. Controversial question: Is running marathons on a treadmill as valid as running outdoors? Share your thoughts below.
Secretly, Izzard’s a skilled sword fighter, a talent she honed in Covent Garden and showcased in Hamlet. And while she’s known for her onstage disasters—like the time the theater flooded and she improvised ghost stories—her fashion choices are equally memorable. From Gaultier pieces to a coat she sewed mid-performance, her wardrobe is a treasure trove. But here’s the cringeworthy part: her most awkward celebrity encounter? None! Instead, Brad Pitt dragged her into a group photo at the Ocean’s 13 premiere. How’s that for a humblebrag?
Finally, Izzard reflects on her ‘nemesis’—not a person, but Margaret Thatcher’s politics. ‘Her career ended as mine took off,’ she notes. Bold statement: Izzard’s rise wasn’t just about talent; it was about opposing a worldview that didn’t value people. Agree or disagree? Let’s discuss.
Catch Izzard’s Hamlet at the Sydney Opera House (9-21 June) or Arts Centre Melbourne (30 June - 12 July), and her Remix tour across Australia (6-16 May). Whether you’re a fan of her comedy, marathons, or controversial takes, one thing’s clear: Eddie Izzard is a force to be reckoned with.
