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Bruce Dessau's rating
, The cross-dresser who conquered America
By
Bruce Dessau
4 Feb 2008
New Act of the Year Final
Hackney Empire
***
Eddie Izzard
Arts Theatre
****
Alan Titchmarsh and Paris Hilton are previous New Act of the Year finalists. At least according to MC Arthur Smith, who hardly needed to exaggerate as the genuine roll-call is pretty illustrious, embracing Harry Enfield, Alan Davies, David Baddiel and Russell Brand.
The 2008 winner Steve Weiner was a worthy champion. The 29-year-old ex-lawyer's riff on aggressive-yet-uninterested phone salesmen impressed both the judges and audience, its perfect blend of crowd-pleasing gags and subtle observation suggesting a bright future.
Runner-up was spoof C&W singer Loretta Maine, with a nice line in warped balladry, while third place went to the polished Andi Osho. The one that got away, however, was unplaced Gerry Howell, whose stream-of-consciousness was weirdly wonderful. If there is a market for a bald Noel Fielding, Howell has it cornered.
Will any of these wannabes ever have their own US show? Two decades ago Eddie Izzard competed in Hackney and who thought this cross-dressing comic would conquer America? This weekend he was trying new material in a tiny theatre, having cracked it as a serious actor with hit drama The Riches.
After a wobbly start Izzard was soon flying, juggling umpteen ideas about the bible and great faiths ("Christianity ... Subbuteo"). Looking smart in a well-cut black jacket, he stamped his trademark surrealism on history, from dinosaurs to the monarchy.
This was a fascinating chance to witness embryonic comedy greatness.
Routines about cavemen worrying about their hair and giraffes playing charades could easily attain the classic status of his ruminations on squirrels wondering if they have left the gas on. And giving Gerry Howell hope, Izzard did not win Hackney either.
• Eddie Izzard also appears tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday. Information: 0844 847 1608, www.ticketmaster.co.uk.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (1)
Although not back to his late 90’s best this was a solid performance from the whimsical Sean Connery / James Mason loving comic and latterly TV/movie actor. Playing to strengths and returning to familiar topics from his early shows; (Romans; Noah’s Ark; Bees and Jam) Izzard played upon the nostalgia of his early triumphs but never rehashed old material; instead expanding and redirecting ideas from his jam filled universe.
The work in progress status provided the rare opportunity to see Izzard in the intimate Arts Theatre providing ample opportunity for frequent interaction with the audience. A real highlight, the interaction followed a conversational style and it was refreshing to see a comedian with respect for his audience; the interaction not limited to setting up a gag or shouting down hecklers. Hecklers were of course not present in this obviously loyal crowd, although input into the conversation was free flowing.
As a work in progress the show can be forgiven for being slightly long but at least 1 hour of this 1.5 hour show could be used in the final product and far better to have to much material than too little.
A word of advice on practicalities; don’t be tempted by the 11.15 start to have too many beers beforehand as the show is over 1.5 hours long and discreet exit from your circle seat once the show has started almost impossible.
Go see Izzard now in the Arts Theatre before he succumbs to the temptation of the bright lights and ‘Riches’ of Wembley Arena
- Paul Bowman, London, UK, 07/02/2008 17:25
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