Eddie Izzard's return to school — and yes, it's just as brilliant as it sounds
Picture this: Eddie Izzard (soon to be known also as Suzy, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves yet) strolls through the halls of a school, not with a school bag and nervous teenage vibe, but wielding comedic wisdom, a microphone of satire and those heels we know so well. Yes, the headline really is: Eddie Izzard goes back to school.
What’s actually happening?
Earlier this year, Eddie dropped by Bexhill College in East Sussex, where she led a workshop for the performing-arts students, answered Q&A queries, and generally acted like the coolest (and most hilariously surreal) guest lecturer you’ve never had.
She’s also been back to Bede’s Prep School in Eastbourne, where she performed a reading of Great Expectations and gave a special assembly to Years 7 & 8.
Why this is glorious
– For starters: comedian-turned–political-aspirant Eddie Izzard in the school environment. Because if there’s one thing schools always need more of—it’s someone bridging Dickens, drag heels and football references all in one assembly.
– The “back to school” is metaphorical but also literal: Eddie revisits past institutions and speaks directly with students — not just lecturing, but engaging with their creative world. She attended boarding school from the age of six in Wales and later in East Sussex.
– The vibe: equal parts “education intervention” and “comedy masterclass.” It’s not “Eddie Izzard talks about comedy” but “Eddie Izzard *comes into your school, shakes things up, and maybe you’ll learn something while laughing so much your rib-cage thinks you did PE.”
A few fun facts sprinkling on top
Eddie went to school in Wales (Porthcawl) and East Sussex (St Bede’s).
At Bexhill College, the facility even has an Izzard Theatre (yes, named after Eddie), which adds an extra delicious layer: you walk in and the sign reads “Izzard Theatre” and there’s your guest star.
During the Bede’s visit, she pulled double duty: reading Dickens and then talking about comedy (in several languages, no less).
Why you should care (or at least chuckle)
Because this trip back to school isn’t just nostalgia — it's relevant. Schools across the UK increasingly try to bring in creative professionals who aren’t just career talkers, but who show how you can mix art, identity, activism and laughter. That’s Eddie’s lane.
Also: imagine the look on the kids’ faces when someone of Eddie’s calibre walks in and says, “Right, who’s ready to write some jokes… and maybe question what school really taught you?”
In summary
Yes, Eddie Izzard went “back to school” — in the best possible sense: not for detention, not for algebra (okay, maybe some algebra jokes), but to teach, inspire, perform, and challenge. She took her comedic quirks, life history (boarding-school kid turned marathon-runner turned drag-heels icon) and turned them into relevance for a new generation of learners.
If you ever wondered if schools could benefit from someone who’s done stand-up, political campaigning, boardroom speeches, costume changes and high heels all in one career — well, you’re looking at Eddie.