Suzy Eddie Izzard Brings One-Woman Hamlet to Australia

Suzy Eddie Izzard is performing a one-woman version of Shakespeare's Hamlet across Australia, with shows at the Sydney Opera House (June 9-21), Brisbane Powerhouse (June 24-27), Arts Centre Melbourne (June 30-July 12), and Canberra Theatre Centre (July 31-August 1). The 64-year-old Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, activist, and former Labour Party candidate has already performed over 250 iterations of the play. Izzard insists her interpretation is a straight tragedy, not a comedy. She prepared by maintaining constant readiness rather than specific pre-show rituals. The production was adapted by her brother Mark Izzard and directed by Selina Cadell, following the success of her one-person Great Expectations in New York and London (2022-2023). Izzard, who came out as transgender in 1985, describes herself as a 'glass two-thirds-full person' and sees her global touring as a positive soft-power statement for trans rights. She plans to never retire and continues to pursue difficult challenges, having been inspired by Ian McKellen who played Hamlet at 81.