Camille OSullivan seemed, at one point, set to become an architect. After training for seven years and being awarded the highest mark in a decade at University College, Dublin, she reportedly made a sudden decision one night to throw the towel in and pursue her love of singing. Friends and relatives were reportedly stunned, but now returning for her fifth year on the Fringe, that decision has been more than vindicated with feature film appearances, sell-out gigs and a massively appreciative following. She looks certain to take this Fringe by storm with one of the most exciting acts around.Camille is, in essence, a cabaret singer, but such labelling would be unfairly restrictive for such a diverse and talented performer. Imagine a stronger, more talented version of Katy Melua blended with a sexier, more emotional type of Amy Winehouse. She glides on stage, dressed purely in black, the audience hardly noticing her arrival. This doesnt last for long however, as she whips up the tempo and energy in The Bulls and in a stunning rendition of Kirsty MacColls In these Shoes, which leaves everyone feeling as though it had been written for her. She oozes charisma on stage, interacts with her audience as though they are a crowd of close friends, or on occasion teasing them as if in a strip club, and constantly tears into her Irishness and mad personality. What is so spectacular about it all is that at no point do we ever feel its an act Camille is real and gives off such an aura that all watching are utterly spellbound.She is backed by a terrific band Feargal Murray on keys drives the show like Michael Schumacher in a Ferrari, while Paul Byrnes drumming keeps everything ticking like Big Ben. It is conceivable to think that Camille might be a bit in your face for some, however her more reserved, emotional numbers beautifully display her ability to move as well as rock. Her final number, Nick Caves The Ship Song (Come sail your ships around me, and burn your bridges down) is hugely touching and sung with a haunting choir-like tone. If you do nothing else in Edinburgh this summer, make sure you catch Camille. She may be a dark angel, but shes sent from the heavens nonetheless.
