The “stream-of-consciousness” style of comedy, for which Izzard is famous, allows Izzard to cover several topics-such as history, religion, and evolution- in a quick and pleasing manner. Izzard on his youth and how difficult it was to talk to girls. Izzard’s play on history-more specifically post-colonial British history-allows the audience to experience a comedian’s portrayal and thoughts of his own country. In the later years of Izzard’s career as a comedian, his stances on political events have become more prominent in his performances as well as his personal life, yet Izzard’s style of improvisation comedy has remained the same. Izzard’s approach to comedy does not disrespect the misfortunes of others or himself, nor does it involve his or others’ superiority over particular people-making Izzard appear as a type of common-man in the eyes of his audience. We came first in the war, but were financially fucked by the end… “Britain?” “What?” “What’s that behind your back?” “India and some other countries.” … (1)Įddie Izzard not only attempts to portray his personal opinion in his performance, but also presents the audience with an opportunity to view the past and present situations in a matter-of-fact perspective. After the Second World War, that’s when the empires dissolved. There are millions of us.” “Do you have a flag?”… “No flag, no country, you can’t have one.”… So, yeah. As the comedian runs, jumps, flails about in a seemingly random manner, he allows the audience to anticipate how his performance will be executed-being of an unplanned, “stream-of-consciousness” style. Izzard also speaks French and German, and has performed his stand-up shows in both.The audience applauds the arrival of Eddie Izzard onto the stage as they look upon the erratic movements of a masculine man in make-up, high-heels, and Asian women’s clothing. As for his sexual orientation, Izzard asserts that he is a “male lesbian.” He just simply enjoys wearing make-up and women’s clothing. He counts himself in the earlier variety, as he’s not sexually aroused by wearing women’s clothing. Izzard draws a distinction between an “executive” or “action” transvestite and a “weirdo” transvestite. Though a cross dresser, Izzard is not gay. (John Cleese himself actually named Izzard the lost Python.) Some see this stream-of-conscious style is very similar to the sketches of Monty Python, although all of their work was scripted. The target for Izzard’s comedic eye vary, extending anywhere from animals to religion. His material tends not to the political, but to history, often talking about the development of man. Successful ad-libs from previous nights are brought back in for subsequent performances, but there is always some free association in each of his performances. Izzard’s stand-up is marked by his ability to improvise on stage, riffing off of a central idea and discovering jokes along the way. He also performed in plays on London’s West End, most notability to stand-up fans as Lenny Bruce in a 1999 revival of the play “Lenny.” Izzard has been able to diversify his stand-up success into acting work, appearing in films and on television, particularly in the drama “The Riches” for the basic cable channel F/X. It went on to win two Emmy Awards for both performance and writing and made him a star in the States. The result, “Dress to Kill”, premiered on the premium cable channel HBO in 1999. Izzard brought his act in from streets to the comedy clubs in 1987, making his first appearance at London’s The Comedy Store.Īfter six years his work became lauded, winning his first British Comedy Award in 1993 for his show “Live at the Ambassadors.” A second followed for his next show “Definite Article.” The tour for the alter brough him to New York City and to the attention of HBO.įor a year worked up a new show, touring with it in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Izzard became a street performer in both England and the United States. His studies to become an accountant (like his father) suffered and he soon was dropped from the University of Sheffield. When Izzard went to University, he began exploring stand-up comedy, using the work of Billy Connolly as a base for him to riff new material from. In the wake of his loss, Izzard was comforted by the humor of stand-ups like Steve Martin and Richard Pryor. Soon afterwards in 1968, Izzard’s mother died of cancer. His early life was spend mostly in England, though he spent the first five years in the country in Northern Ireland until the political climate made the family decide to move. The youngest son of an English couple, Eddie Izzard was born overseas in Aden, Yemen.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |