one4review | On 17, Aug 2019

A trio of musicians are applauded onto the stage. The tension of anticipation in the audience is palpable. The Queen of music at the Fringe is imminent. Her subjects await. From the back of the stage a figure in a black cloak glides onto the stage. The experience begins. Nick Caves ‘God is in the House’ given the venerable arrangement that has been seen many times before, soulful, ethereal, stripped back, commences. Camille is in the house. Nobody cares who else. You could hear a pin drop, neatly linking into ‘Are You the one That I’ve Been Waiting For’ another song she has oft performed in previous sets.
Camille is a great fan of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, a love of his music, that has been with her for ages, and in this all too short 75 minutes pays homage to his material, both ballads and hard rocking number with her own spin. Then there is the voice that can range from a throaty whisper, a pure and lyrical yet can be a jazz or rock voice with the very best. Add to the mix her theatrical style, a feline flirting ability, an all-inclusive demeanour, and her fabulous band laying down the musical bed, then there is all the ingredients for a night to remember. Like the red wine she has been known to sip on, Camille O’Sullivan just gets better with age and to paraphrase a quote from Cave’s ‘The Ship Song’ from which she closes ‘’she make a little history baby, every time she come around”.
If there are tickets left, which I severely doubt, grab one for an unforgettable experience.
*****
Reviewed by Geoff
Pleasance One
21.15 to 22.30
Until 25th (not 19th)