Camille O’Sullivan on February 25th at The Olympia Theatre
Photos: Natalie Byrne
Review: Claire Kane
A ladder, a shovel, a plastic rabbit, a bird, bins, fairy lights, a fox mask, a horses head; not just a list of random items, but some props utilised in creative and interesting ways by Camille O’ Sullivan and her band. If you have ever wonder what the fuss was about when it comes to the otherworldly woman, this concert proved that you really just have to see it for yourself to understand why people are so taken with her.
The show begins with Camille walking on to the stage dressed as little red riding hood with an eerie soundtrack of snippets from classic children’s’ films. Instantly it is clear that this is going to be a special show. The odd intro leads into Wake Up, originally by Arcade Fire. Her mysterious countenance as she sings from under her silken red hood adds an eeriness to the song, and her feminine vocals and softer approach makes it more touching. Straight away it is clear that she is not just a cover act; she puts her own twist on much loved songs. As soon as the first song is finished her quirkiness and witty humour become all the more clear. She asks the crowd if they are scared and reassured the audience: “It’s just a song” and begins to prowl around the stage mewing and purring, ditching her fantastic hooded cape. She also introduces the audience to her little friend, the bird in the blue cage, which she later claims to not know why she included it in her set. She is already interacting with crowd, telling them she is a “curious lady” and to watch out for when she falls down. Suddenly you forget you are in one of Dublin’s most prominent concert venues, and you feel as though you are sitting in a dusty jazz bar watching the beautifully exceptional woman sing her favourite songs.
Her rendition of All the World is Green by Tom Waits is much more bearable than the original and it aids to stretch out the odd atmosphere created by the set up of the show. Her voice is incredible, so much so that she can put on a crazy voice, scrunching her face purely for the entertainment of the crowd. There are several points throughout the evening during which chills can be felt around the room. This most notably occurs during her rendition of Revelator, a touching song originally sung by Gillian Welch. The room is tense with baited breath, as the audience seem so taken with the beauty of the song, and her effortlessly perfect voice that they are afraid to taint it with exhalation. On more than one occasion Camille tells the audience, who are in the palm of her her hand, that she adores Nick Cave, and she and the band most enjoy performing his songs. Perhaps as a result of their passion for performing his songs, Are You The One and The Ship Song are the most mesmerising of the night. She, like audience seem to become lost in the lyrics of each song, the latter in particular, as it seems as though the songs were written for her to perform. Another remarkable performance on the night is In These Shoes, written by the wonderful Kirsty McCall, as Camille lends her own jazzy spirit to it, and her typically Irish humour, which is well received by the audience.
Overall, it was a magical performance, which left the room steeped in mixed emotions, laughter and tears filled the theatre, moved the beauty of her renditions of Nick Cave’s songs, and tickled by her witty interaction with the crowd, and tales about her mothers advice. It is a must see show, one that will leave a lasting impression of you. Camille O’ Sullivan, Queen of Bizarre, was truly in a league of her own.
Camille O’Sullivan Gallery
