5 Stars

*****

Along with the rain, lack of sleep, too much partying and poor diet which are all institutions there is another one. Camille O’Sullivan. As is now the norm this fantastically charismatic lady is playing to sell-out rooms, and there are only 4 performances this year unfortunately!!

Some people may think she is a cabaret singer, but she is more. She can do that of course, but also sell the most poignant ballad or equally belt out the rockiest number with equal aplomb.

Although a lot of the material she and her band performed was from the latest album and was less well known by some, each number was greeted by a phenomenal ovation, I guess it was some of the Camille classics such as he version of Kirsty McCall’s ‘In These Shoes’, Brel’s Amsterdam or Nick Cave’s ‘The Ship Song’ that nearly brought the refurbished Assembly Rooms crashing down.

O’Sullivan is a born star who teases and flirts with her audience, theatrically sells her songs and has surrounded herself with some of the best musicians around. The sound it the vast room was crisp throughout and although she played fully the time allocated and maybe a bit more, but it was by no means enough for the packed out crowd. Her standing ovation at the end was richly deserved.

Reviewed by Geoff

AssemblyRoomsMusic Hall

22-25 to 23-55

4 to 7 August