Eddie Izzard
State Theatre
Sydney, Australia
February 23, 2019
Eddie Izzard, not unlike every great man, exists in multitudes.
Conferencier.
Marathon runner.
Comedian.
Cunning linguist.
Cross-dresser.
Entertainer par excellence.
Activist.
Actor.
Possible London mayor candidate.
In the context of a comedy show, Eddie Izzard has transcended localities and pursues a global approach and views on humanity and history at large. Izzard manoeuvres his way through juxtapositions, comedic elements based on anthropomorphic grounds and slapstick routines.
What shines through is that what you get to experience is only the tip of the iceberg and a facet of the persona and that makes and the competence that underpins Eddie Izzard.
I personal enjoy his history and language related bits and given that Eddie performs his show in numerous languages, phenomena in world history along with pop cultural content prove to be the common denominator that forms the core of his sharp and witty performance that is not devoid of touching moments when he lets down his guard every now and then to share personal insights.
Naturally at home in front of a live audience, him expanding on his surreal views of life, love and his musing on the need to be are testament to the nature of his ‘Wunderbar’ show, which had its genesis in Paris where it derived from a whimsical steam-of-consciousness show he originally had scripted in French.
‘Wunderbar’ is a show that is intentionally all over the place and by that breaks down barriers – both literally as well as metaphorically, and one that is nurtured by Izzard’s charm and stage presence.
A formidable evening with the thinking man’s comedian and a show that is unique without being niche and never falls prey to appealing to the lowest common denominator of mainstream comedy.
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