Review: Eddie Izzard: Stripped

First, a word of warning: if you're going to see Eddie Izzard tonight or tomorrow, wear as little clothing as possible--like, a bathing suit or a nightie, possibly. Bostonist doesn't usually advocate public semi-nudity, but The Orpheum Theater, which is not exactly a comfortable venue at the best of times, felt like New Orleans in August before the show even started last night. After two hours of laughter and cheers from the packed house, it was like sitting in a sauna fully clothed.

But we're happy to say that the show was entirely worth the unplanned schvitz. Izzard has gained mainstream fame in the US recently through his starring role in FX's The Riches and appearances in films like Ocean's 12. But he originally found a cult following in the U.S. as the fast-talking, cross-dressing star of comedy specials like Dressed to Kill and Sexie. Now he's back to his stand-up roots with Stripped, where he isn't in drag but is still very funny.

Last night was the tour opener, and for two hours Izzard paced the stage energetically; dapper in a black tuxedo jacket and jeans; covering life, the universe, and everything from dinosaurs to religion to dinosaur religion. Izzard's style is that of the world's most hyperactive dinner guest. There's wildlife charades, ruminations on Wikipedia, and a monologue from the point of view of an appendix. All of this is contained in a framework devoted to questioning the existence or lack thereof of an ultimate divine being. Or, as Eddie said near the beginning of the show, "So. I've decided there's no god."

It's an inflammatory premise, but Izzard is just so damn cheerful about the whole thing that it doesn't come across as offensive. He careens eruditely and haphazardly through surreal tales of history and religion, retelling familiar stories from a uniquely skewed perspective. There aren't punchlines, per se, just riffs that grow more and more absurd until you realize he started at "Why didn't god create the earth in just one day instead of six?" and somehow ended up with badgers demanding creme brulee.

Izzard performs again at the Orpheum tonight and tomorrow, and a few tickets are still available. If you go, enjoy and dress lightly.

(Image of Eddie Izzard from Amazon.com)