Izzard's Circle makes the rounds: His act is funny, no matter the language
By Stuart Derdeyn

In the increasingly global entertainment world, will comedy become as universally accessible as Backstreet Boys or Baywatch?

British actor/comedian Eddie Izzard believes it can because there are certain truths in a good gag that everyone gets. Izzard sees the secret in comedic cultural crossover as a product of hard work, language and smashing outfits.

Q: Wearing makeup and wild Jean-Paul Gauthier gear has always been part of your act but on the Dressed to Kill tour, you appeared in a dress. What's in the wardrobe for Circle?

A: I'm not sure, it changes week to week. Dress: maybe yes, maybe no. Whenever I wear it I get a lot more of the "he's got the girl/ boy thing" played out in the press.

Q: Does that bother you?

A: It gets in the way to an extent but it's an acceptable price to pay for something that I never thought would happen.

Q: What was that?

A: Coming out publicly as a transvestite.

Q: You're selling out every show this tour. Has going public changed your audience or got you typecast?

A: I avoid that at all costs. The film roles I take (Velvet Goldmine, Mystery Men) are usually straight characters and my jokes are mine. The gay and lesbian audience comes -- just like the straight one does -- because they like comedy.

Q: What about Belgians? You bring them up quite often in your shows.

A: I can't write off Belgium. For alternative comics in the new Europe, Belgium is a bit dangerous. It becomes sort of a surrogate Ireland.

Q: You have an unusual way of presenting yourself when you go to the continent. Tell me about it.

A: Ever since I realized I wanted to play outside England, Europe even, I've tried to make sure my humour was universal. I do the whole stand-up routine in French in France and I intend to do it in German, Italian and Spanish.

Q: Holy multi-lingualism!

A: I don't speak any of those languages. I'll have to learn them.

I already have my own style, my own slang for the English language and I make sure to hire translators who are up on the latest slang. You get big Brownie points -- and laughs -- when you're on top of that.

IN CONCERT

Eddie Izzard's Circle
Where: Arts Club Mainstage Theatre (1585 Johnston St., Granville Is.)
When: Tuesday to May 26, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $35; Fri., $40 at 687-1644 or 280-3311.

Published in: The Province. Vancouver, B.C.: May 18, 2000. pg. B.20