Eddie Izzard: Stripped (Stand Up Comedy Show)

Eddie Izzard is the hilarious English comedian/actor who made it big in the US from his hit HBO comedy performance "Dressed to Kill" in 1999. He has played a ton of bit parts in movies (including Ocean's 12 and 13, Mystery Men, etc.) and has the lead in the hit television show "The Riches". But, for us, Izzard became famous for the "Dressed to Kill" HBO special. That comedy routine is insanely quotable, it has become standard lingo in our family ("Do you have a flag?" or "Cake or death?"). So, when we (Sarah, really) found out that he was coming to Cincy on a comedy tour, we had to go. I was a little worried that this performance couldn't live up to his epic HBO show. But, it turned out, I had nothing to worry about.

The show was fantastic. Eddie walked out on stage and the sold out crowd went ballistic. From the moment he spoke, I was in tears. He was hilarious. At the beginning of the show he explained that he was going to talk about the entire history of the universe, from the big bang to present day. His hisotry bits are great; it's what he is best at. But, very soon into the show, another theme started to show. He really likes making fun of religions and religious extremists. He explained that he didn't believe in God and preceded to explain why it was ridiculous to believe in a personal God (of course, he did this in a very amusing way). When he started on this rant, you could tell some of the people in the audience were getting uncomfortable. I think a lot of the religious folk couldn't take Izzard poking at them. And, we are in Ohio, so it shouldn't be suprising to find some who are too stuck up to find the humor in their religion. In fact, a few people actually left to show. I love it when people are pushed out of the safe zone and are forced to actually think about what they believe.

So, the show was about the history of the planet and its people and critiques of religion. All in all, I don't think he could have picked a better theme (for me especially). I was very impressed with his performance and would definitely go back to see him. This show seemed just as good (if not better) as the "Dressed to Kill" routine. It was a fantastic show!

Here's a small bit from his critique of religion so you don't think he was just being mean: (Here is a video clip with poor sound quality: here ) "What about the 10th commandment? Thou shalt not covet (ie. want) thy neighbor's ox. Are you serious? What's wrong with wanting an ox? I shouldn't covet my neighbor's ox? But, THIS IS THE ENTIRE BASES OF TRADE!?!? How are you going to have an ox market without coveting oxen?"