First UK comic to play US in French

Eddie Izzard has become the first English comic to perform a show to American audience entirely in French.

On Sunday he performed his show Stripped in Los Angeles – but it was the French version he presented for two months in Paris last year.

The gig, which was followed by a work-in-progress show in English, comes ahead of his appearances at the Montreal Just For Laughs festival later this

Afterwards, he tweeted: ‘Just finished the first ever French show in America [by] an Englishman (I'm pretty sure). It was fantastic and the audience were formidable.’

Journalist Noam Friedlander was in the audience said: ‘Just finished watching @eddieizzard at Largo. In French. Wow. "Quod the fuck". Great job.’

Spaced and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World director Edgar Wright, was in the audience for the second show and posted: ‘Just saw Eddie Izzard do a work in progress gig at Largo on La Cienega. Last saw him try out stuff at the Hen & Chickens on Highbury Corner.’

Meanwhile, the sculpture recreating the final scene of The Italian Job which Izzard funded in his childhood home of Bexhill-on-Sea has been winched into place.

He is the principle sponsor of Hang On A Minute Lads, I’ve Got A Great Idea…, which involves a full-sized replica coach balanced on the roof of the De La Warr Pavilion,

The piece, from artist Richard Wilson and named after Michael Caine’s last line in the 1969 film, will be on display until October 1.

Here is the piece taking pride of place on the roof of the East Sussex venue:

Published: 3 Jul 2012