Loveletter – on a rainy night in Edinburgh (not Soho)
Camille O’Sullivan has been on my Fringe bucket list for quite a number of years. That said, I really didn’t know what to expect, nor even that she was Irish, although I should have guessed. And judging by the enthusiastic audience, her record of sell out shows at the Fringe for 20 years, and her September UK tour she clearly has a tremendous and loyal following who know her and her performance a lot better than I do.
This was Loveletter – and that’s what she delivered in her soulful, enigmatic way. A love letter to a number of dear friends no longer with her/us but who have clearly carved a great impression on her soul – Shane and Sinéad, Bowie and Cohen. And some still here, like Nick Cave.
This was a deeply moving performance – mesmerising, powerful, mysterious, haunting. Accompanied by long-time collaborator Feargal Murray on keys, one minute that voice was blowing you away, and the next drawing you back in close with the faintest but still audible whisper. And those hands that never stop moving.
There were many poignant moments – the Broad Majestic Shannon, Sinéad’s words to her three babies, Bowie’s state of grand illusion, and Cave’s Lucy. She takes you right to the emotional edge, and then over it.
But equally there was light relief too – 5 minutes of rock and roll, a hula hoop demonstration, and the words of her mum after Sinéad shaved her head – “don’t you come home lookin’ like that now!” Or something like that. Then there were the silver boots that had seen far better days – what a state. Camille told us “I’ve got three pairs and these ones are the best!” Held together by gaffa tape with gaping, flappy soles. Hasn’t she heard of TK Maxx!
Prayers. Memories and remembering. Rubbing the moss off the headstones and epitaphs of loved ones on a balmy night – and the venue with its carved angels peeking in on proceedings. But celebration too and a toast to lost dear friends. Yes, there really was something quite spiritual, magical and uplifting about this all too brief hour in Camille’s company.
“On a rainy night in Soho the wind was whistling all its charms.” You could feel that.
And then there was a little reference to Fairytale – and then she was gone – black dress, torn tights, shredded boots, to meet those who love her, what she does, and how she lays it all out there.
If the queue to say hello had not been so long I would have joined them. I could have done with a hug.
“Take my hand and dry your tears, babe
Take my hand, forget your fears, babe
There’s no pain, there’s no more sorrow
They’re all gone, gone in the years, babe.”
Camille O’Sullivan is touring Loverletter. See camilleosullivan.com/gigs/ for dates and go see this amazing preformance.