Izzard nominated for top stage award

Eddie Izzard has been nominated for a Tony Award for his Broadway acting debut.

The news that he is in line for one of New York's most restigious theatre awards comes just days after he was also shortlisted for a Drama Desk accolade for his part in A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg.

He faces competition from Hollywood legend Paul Newman, for the Tony for the best leading actor.

Victoria Hamilton, Izzard's co-star, has also been nominated as best actress.

Izzard said:" This is a great honour and I feel very lucky.

"The last time I was nominated for an acting award was the Eastbourne Gazette Drama Awards (Schools Section) in 1979."

The Play What I Wrote, the British comedy directed by Kenneth Branagh, also received a nomination - for best Special theatrical event.

Hamish McColl and Sean Foley's Morecambe and Wise homage, which has been reworked for the vast majority of Americans unfamiliar with the work of Eric and Ernie, hit the headlines last week when guest star Roger Moore collapsed on stage.

The musical Hairspray, based on the cult John Walters film, leads the nominations with 13.

Winners will be named at New York's Radio City Music Hall on June 8.

Published: 12 May 2003