(Girl Talk Magazine)

The sounds of Tom Jones are pumping through the theater as graphic images appear on a large screen at the back of the stage. In the closing image we get the sensation that we are traveling through a worm–hole -- a term used in many science fiction films to describe a sort of vortex or portal, to get you from one place in space to another quickly. Perhaps it’s a Sci-Fi rabbit hole, but either way I sensed we were about to enter the mind of Eddie Izzard.  

With little warning s-he casually strolled onto the stage wearing black high-heeled boots and a black skirt slit up the side. The audience, which appeared to be totally straight, displayed their enthusiasm with thunderous applause. S-he immediately informed them that s-he was now sporting breasts, faux breasts anyway, silicone forms that created the illusion of breasts - just in case they hadn’t noticed.  Eddie was happy to have breasts now, and explained that when a waiter says “Your tea sir,” s-he’ll reply, “thank you, set it right here … on my tit, … then fuck off, OK.” 

 Eddie is a bit of a paradox in that s-he has starred on stage and in films such as Shadow Of the Vampire as a man, and at the same time enjoys a career as a cross-dressing stand up comedian - perhaps the most recognized heterosexual cross-dresser in the world. Or more accurately, in her/his own words, “an Executive Transvestite. ” Following the success of the last show Dressed To Kill, this new one is also receiving rave reviews. Eddie doesn’t cross-dress as an act; it is a way of life. In an interview with our Editor, Gina Lance, Eddie once explained that people back home certainly knew s-he was a cross-dresser, after all s-he traveled the tube (subway) everyday. 

The quickest whit in stand up comedy since Robin Williams, Eddie has a conversational style of delivery, which is more like a rambling of different ideas and stories. S-he talks about anything, and everything, and you have to laugh. When appearing to have nothing to say s-he bounces in place for a moment - as though s-he was hyperactive from drinking too much coffee, or perhaps had to pee … really badly. The arms would move as if to conger up a new thought, which of course never takes very long. S-he identifies and explores silly situations, people, Sci-Fi, politics, and history. There is no subject off limits, especially Royalty, and as one of the Queen’s loyal subjects, the English are in the crosshairs along with everyone else. 

But while s-he is making us laugh, think, and continues to break down one type of social stereotype, s-he enforces another: that heterosexual cross-dressers have really bad fashion sense. I love the whit, intelligence, and humor, but the strange combination of the blue and red military-esque jacket, with a black skirt and boots made me think, “Eddie, please re-think the outfit.” I look at the press shot and think "great," so what happened to the motorcycle look? I’m kidding of course (no I’m not), of course I am (no I’m not). 

What's important is that Eddie Izzard is transcending gender roles, making who you are more important than what you are, and for that, you go gurl, you’re forgiven anything. SEXIE is a commentary of high thought delivered through exploration of the ridiculous. And, with audiences worldwide becoming more familiar with Eddie Izzard – the person - people are more likely (now) to say, “oh, you’re a cross-dresser, like that funny English comedian,” rather than, “Ahhhhh, you’re a cross-dresser like Anthony Perkins in Psycho.” 

For more info about Eddie Izzard, video clips, show schedules and tickets: www.eddieizzard.com

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