CAMILLE O’SULLIVAN: 10
“An artist at the top of her game pushing herself to be better and trusting us to keep up. It’s thrilling to watch.”The Scotsman
“Hypnotic” The Independent
Internationally acclaimed, award winning 'Queen of the Fringe’ (BBC) Camille O’Sullivan celebrates 10 years of sell-out Fringe shows this August. In her new show, the aptly titled 10, she will be performing old favourites and hidden gems selected from the last 10 years of her performances, as well as looking back at the integral part that the festival has played in her career.
“When she sings it's as though her breath is soaked in paraffin - one spark, and the whole room would ignite.” TheDaily Telegraph
Camille transcends genres, and defies all easy description, transporting her audiences to places of fear, love and wonder. Her chameleon-like, yet unique interpretation and delivery dispels all preconceptions, as she inhabits each character and makes them her own.
Her performances are sometimes heartrending, occasionally mischievous but always a spinetingling, exhilarating carousel ride. With her voice ranging from emotive rock to vulnerable whisper, Camille is fierce, playful and totally mesmerizing, transforming each song she interprets into a gripping theatrical experience.
“Ravishing… a superb performer and great singer... the star is her singing voice: a deep, sultry instrument that might have been created to express desolate love” The Guardian
Camille O’Sullivan: 10 premieres at Fringe this year, including interpretations of songs by Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan and more, backed by her superb five piece band. Expect a variety of creatures and characters as well as fire, ice, darkness, joy and pure passion.
Camille first stormed the Fringe in 2004 (performing in one show as part of the Olivier Award-winning show La Clique and two shows of her own) and it was this festival that launched her career in myriad directions, providing a gateway to the rest of the world. It was here she was spotted by Stephen Frears, which lead to her being cast in the critically acclaimed film Mrs. Henderson presents.
“A courageous and singular performer, Camille is one of the most gifted interpreters of narrative songs yet to appear.” The Irish Times
Camille’s subsequent 5-star performances have included shows at Sydney Opera House, Royal Festival Hall and the Roundhouse. She has also been the cover girl of Time Out London, and she made her mark with a show stealing appearance on Later with Jools Holland (BBC TV) in 2009, which resulted in her supporting him at the Royal Albert Hall.
Camille O’Sullivan immediately refuses to be pigeon-holed...her ability to inhabit each very different song keeps her audience on the edge of their seats, and in the palm of her hand.”
The Herald
Camille is naturally drawn to narrative songs with complex characters and emotions. In Apr 2011 she co-created and starred in an intense new Royal Shakespeare Company production of Shakespeare’s beautiful, violent, narrative poem The Rape of Lucrece and performed it at The Fringe in 2012 where it became a Bank of Scotland Herald Angel Winner for Outstanding Performance.
“...its two mighty strengths are the magnificent O'Sullivan herself, and the way she embodies both violator and violated. Less like a performance, more like an inhabitation or haunting, the harsh tones of Tarquin and the ravishing voice of Lucrece emerge from the same mouth.”Lyn Gardner, The Guardian in praise for The Rape of Lucrece.
Since her last full run at the Fringe with the 5-star sell out Chameleon in 2012 Camille released Changeling, her debut studio album on Little Cat Records, recorded with producers and musicians Feargal Murray and Eanna Hickey. And in 2013 Camille was chosen by Yoko Ono for her Meltdown season (the historic Southbank Centre initiative which has handed over its programming to cultural icons making the festival an annual cultural highlight of the city) and performed alongside Boy George, Patti Smith and Siouxse Sioux.
‘An exceptional voice’Time Out