After more than a decade of expressing her interest in joining the political arena, Eddie Izzard has finally opened that chapter in her story. While that means that her decorated comedy career is put to bed for now, there’s no way she’s sailing into that sunset without a little remixed celebration.
With what is looking to be her final tour for quite some time, the British comedy icon brings her latest show, The Remix: The First 35 Years to Chevalier Theatre for two shows this weekend (September 16 and 17). For her more longtime fans, the show may be composed of some, if not all familiar material, as Izzard didn’t see the point in putting together a brand new show with her political career entering the bustling election season, but what makes the show fresh for both the audience and Izzard herself, is the evolved perspective from which the long-loved stories and jokes are delivered all these years and experiences later.
“I don’t find it nostalgic, really. One of the good things, or at least wise things that I feel I did was that I didn’t fill my sets up with topical material because it really gets outdated,” Izzard tells Vanyaland. “Talking about George W. Bush now, after we’ve gone through a number of presidents since him, doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but if you talk about things like human sacrifice, haircuts, relationships, cats and dogs, or the meaning of life, there are loads of topics that don’t date. It’s interesting to see how some of the things that I talk about have changed or haven’t.”
Although her political aspirations are soon to become the main focus, Izzard’s love of comedy and theater will always be held close. But that’s not to say we’re going to see a mockery made out of the political process in the race for Labour MP of Brighton at the hands of the elite comedy talent, even if she could wield its power if need be.
“My interest in politics doesn’t affect the tour so much, because I’m still doing what I’ve always done,” says Izzard. “Now, going into politics, I can take comedy with me, but it isn’t a great tool to have in your political toolbag. It doesn’t solve problems, or build or create anything. Comedy is a weapon or tool that punctures pomposity, and takes things and shows you how they aren’t quite what they seem. I will take this tool with me, but it won’t be the first tool I use.”
In addition to using her comedic efforts to represent marginalized communities over the years, Izzard has also kept her boots on the ground, quite literally, with other efforts that have included but are not limited to running in a myriad marathons and raising over five million dollars for charities all over the world. Although she has refrained from getting political behind the mic, she has made valiant efforts to communicate with her growing audience over the years in hopes of showing camaraderie and appreciation for all cultures, and leaving an overall positive impression in the world.
“I’m performing my stand-up all the world, and I’m performing in French, German and Spanish, and that isn’t a stunt. It’s a way to build up my reach in those markets, and also to show the French, German, and Spanish kids, and even kids in Arabic-speaking countries that I can do this, therefore you can do it too,” says Izzard. “If people do see me as having done some positive things, like coming out as trans thirty-eight years ago, which I hope is seen as a positive thing, then it’s a good thing. Even though fascist and right-wing type people don’t like me for that, but I don’t like them either and I don’t think they help the world, or humanity, or even themselves. My world view is that everyone deserves a fair chance at life, and I believe that we must be brave and curious, not fearful and suspicious. Try to reach out and talk to other people about where they’re from, and what they do, and see if you can learn from them or if they can learn from you.”
For a history buff like Izzard, Massachusetts has always provided a smorgasbord of enriching experiences, both on and off the stage. Now that she’s finally been able to make her way back across the pond for the first time since before the pandemic, and with the celebratory nature of this “new” show, the chance to come back and bid adieu to the greater Boston faction of her loyal global fan base means the world.
“It’s great to be back in America after COVID, because we’re pushing it into the back of our brains like the memory of a bad car crash, and it’s just really nice to have people come out and be comfortable being in theaters again,” says Izzard. “I always wanted to come to America when I was a kid. I wanted to be here, and play here, so I worked very hard to be known in America, and I’m very proud of that.”
EDDIE IZZARD THE REMIX: THE FIRST 35 YEARS :: Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17 at Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St. in Medford, MA :: 8 p.m., $61.90 to $130.90 :: Advance Tickets