He dresses in women's clothes, has been known to do his stand-up routine in French and not so long ago, made an appearance at the Colchester Arts Centre as a fledgling comedian.

Now the award-winning stand-up, film star and general national treasure that is Eddie Izzard is coming back.

In what can only be described as one the biggest shows ever to take place at the former church, Eddie will be performing in front of a 300-strong crowd on Tuesday, July 8.

Following his Perrier Award nomination at the Edinburgh festival in 1991, fans of Eddie knew he was going to be something big when his first West End show had to be extended twice.

After appearing at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival as the Showcase Artist, the first comedian outside North America to gain the honour, he was back in the West End the following year, selling out the Albery Theatre within a week for a seven-week run.

Since then he has appeared in a number of West End plays, such as A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, and appeared on the big screen, in such films as The Avengers and Velvet Goldmine.

The special Colchester warm-up show is being organised in advance of his forthcoming world tour and will be a rare chance to see an act that regularly sells out the largest of West End theatres in a smaller, more intimate setting.

In order to ensure that priority is given to Colchester Art Centre regulars, booking will be available only to those with two tickets or ticket stubs for arts centre events past or future, excluding club nights.

Tickets, for £10, will go on sale from noon on Saturday, July 5, and are limited to one per person which can only be bought in person from the venue

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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