music feature
Camille O’Sullivan: The Dark Angel and Dark Horse
Amy Dowd meets Camille O’Sullivan to discuss her new show and how her song choices are pioneering a new style of contemporary Cabaret.
I was fortunate enough to see Camille’s show last year at the famous Spiegeltent and I can safely say it was the best thing I have seen at the Fringe. After loving her show, ‘La Fille Du Cirque’, and thinking there was no way she possibly could top it, I wanted to ask her how her new show was going to be different. “You’ve caught me at a really anxious time, we open on Monday and I’m terrified. The Queen’s Hall is beautiful; it’s an old church, so it’s very theatrical and I like performing in unusual places, but I did love the Spiegeltent.”
I met Camille for drinks and was bowled over by her presence, style and wit, but her apprehension was manifest. “I’ve literally been asking people off the street whether or not to do certain songs; you feel you have to make it a different show from past years but I’m so attached to all those songs it’s hard. I think honestly, you have three or four songs that you really want to do; everything else is there to support them.”
Amongst other things it is Camille’s song choice that makes her so unique compared to other Cabaret chanteuses out there. “I hate jazz. I used to sing the standards when I was just starting out but it’s just not for me, it doesn’t suit me. Simple accompaniment is best so that the audience listen to the story, the lyrics and don’t get swept away by the music.” I asked her what her inspirations are and why she chose to sing men’s songs, “‘I’m Only Dancing’ by David Bowie is a huge influence on me and then Tom Waits is the other one; he’s an absolute genius. I saw him in Dublin last week and it was perfect timing really because I can use him as inspiration when I sing his songs in the show. I think the songs I sing look at things in a particular way; they’re melancholic and face things head on; they say, people aren’t always great, things do go wrong but they still have an immense sense of hope. I think it’s very similar to the Irish mentality.”
Given the confidence and intensity of her performance, I was intrigued to know whether the person on stage, was the real Camille. “My personality is definitely heightened on stage, it gives me the opportunity to really go for it. If I was at a party I’d never burst into song but on stage, once I get in the zone, I’ll do anything. It allows me to play, to explore female sexuality, to taunt and to feel comfortable all at the same time. Sometimes being on stage singing something like ‘Look Mummy No Hands’, can be the loneliest feeling ever and then you remember the audience are there with you on the journey and once you secure that tactile emotional partnership, you feel free to do anything you please. Although, when I watch the DVD I’m so embarrassed at some of the things I do; it’s very physical and there are so many moments where I’m thrashing around on the floor and my breasts are out. I just totally put myself out there; I’m vulnerable. Fuck it… this is who I am.”
Quick fire Round
Q: Flats or Heels?
A: Heels
Q: Knickers or Thong?
A: Knickers
Q: Judy or Liza?
A: Judy
Q: Nights in or nights out?
A: Nights out
Q: Glass half full or half empty?
A: Half full
Q: Wine or beer?
A: Wine
Q: Tattoo or piercing?
A: Tattoo
--
'Camille: The Dark Angel' was on at Assembly @ The Queen’s Hall.
published: Oct-2008
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