Eddie Izzard - The Tragedy of Hamlet

Prepare to see Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy turned delightfully on its head when Eddie Izzard brings The Tragedy of Hamlet to the historic State Theatre in downtown Austin.

This is not your typical night at the theater. Eddie performs the entire play as a solo tour de force, taking on an astonishing 23 different characters all by herself. In one evening you’ll watch her switch seamlessly between princes and kings, scheming courtiers, anguished lovers, eerie ghosts, foolish clowns, and fierce tyrants, all in a fast-moving, story-forward retelling of the classic tale.

The production condenses the epic saga of the Danish court into a vivid, accessible performance that still delivers all the melodrama you want from Hamlet: royal betrayal, spiraling revenge, moral doubt, and devastating consequences for both family and kingdom. If you know the play, you’ll enjoy catching how she reimagines iconic scenes and famous soliloquies. If you don’t, this is a uniquely fun way to experience it for the first time.

Eddie Izzard is already legendary as a multilingual comedian, actor, marathon runner, and activist, but here she leans fully into her theatrical side. Expect precision, emotional range, and that sly, intelligent humor she’s known for, woven into a faithful yet playful adaptation. Critics have called this version “spectacular,” “monumental,” and “not to be missed,” praising how she explodes the idea of what a solo performance can be.

• Watch one performer morph into an entire royal court, often within the same scene.
• Experience a bold, contemporary staging that keeps Shakespeare’s language but strips away the stuffiness.
• Enjoy a production shaped by a seasoned creative team handling set, music, lighting, movement, and costume styling to keep the world of Elsinore clear and dynamic.
• Soak up the electric atmosphere of a live, intimate theatre where every seat feels close to the action.

If you love Shakespeare, smart comedy, or just big, ambitious performances, this show is tailor-made for you. It’s a rare chance to see a world-class artist tackle one of the greatest plays ever written, all in one mesmerizing, high-wire evening.