Camille O’Sullivan joins Feargal Murray for ‘The Rape of Lucrece’

THE internationally acclaimed Camille O’Sullivan will be joined by local pianist Feargal Murray in late October for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production, ‘The Rape of Lucrece.’
Local pianist Feargal Murray, will perform 'The Rape of Lucrece' with Camille O'Sullivan.Local pianist Feargal Murray, will perform 'The Rape of Lucrece' with Camille O'Sullivan.
Local pianist Feargal Murray, will perform 'The Rape of Lucrece' with Camille O'Sullivan.

O’Sullivan won fame through her cabaret interpretations of the narrative songs of Nick Cave, Jacques Brel, David Bowie and Tom Waits.

But in Shakespeare’s politically-charged, sexually provocative and violent thriller she inhabits the souls of both Tarquin and Lucrece.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While narrating their fates, she delivers an astonishing range of human experience contained in this dark tale that is as beautiful as it is monstrous.

Born in London, Camille was raised in Cork, to a French mother and Irish father. Previously an award winning architect and portrait painter, she now has a formidable international reputation.

Chameleon like on stage, her solo shows include the Sydney Opera House, London’s Royal Festival Hall, The Roundhouse and the Apollo Theatre. She’s guested on the BBC’s Later with Jools Holland, and has supported him at the Royal Albert Hall.

An original member of La Clique (Olivier Award 2010), she’s performed with Todd Rundgren, Tim Robbins and Shane McGowan (London 02), and appeared in Stephen Frears’ film Mrs Henderson Presents.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Recently Camille was chosen by Yoko Ono to perform Double Fantasy Live at Meltdown RFH alongside Sean Lennon and Patti Smith. Her most recent album, Changeling was released in 2012.

Feargal Murray received an honours Music degree from Edinburgh University and a Masters degree in Contemporary Classical Composition from Goldsmiths College London.

He is a songwriter, producer, string arranger and pianist/keyboard player.

A long term collaborator with Camille O’Sullivan he has also worked extensively with Phil Coulter, Moya Brennan, Celtic Woman and Julie Feeney, to name but a few.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He has performed on Later with Jools Holland, arranged for the Irish Film Orchestra, worked on Grammy-nominated albums, played at George Best’s funeral, and toured worldwide, including venues such as Carnegie Hall and Radio City.

A hit at the Edinburgh International Festival, Elizabeth Freestone directs this Royal Shakespeare Company production, a seamless and powerful blend of music and verse.

Elizabeth is Artistic Director of Pentabus Theatre, and has worked at the RSC, the National Theatre, Soho and the Royal Court.

Besides The Rape of Lucrece, her credits for the RSC include: Here Lies Mary Spindler, The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes and The Comedy of Errors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Zoe Donegan, Producer, Royal Shakespeare Company, said, “We are thrilled to be visiting Londonderry as part of the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations, and I know that Feargal is especially pleased to be performing on home turf!

“Camille, Feargal and Elizabeth have adapted Shakespeare’s poem using music and song, telling the story with clarity and an emotional honesty.

“Audiences from around the globe have responded with real enthusiasm to the piece, and we can’t wait to bring the show to another new audience.”

Culture Company Chief Executive Shona McCarthy said: “‘The Rape of Lucrece’ promises to be another world class theatrical production in the City of Culture calendar.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“2013 has given us the opportunity to experience, deliver and participate in a diverse and wonderful range of cultural productions and partnerships.

“We are delighted that the Royal Shakespeare Company are able to join us and add another rich layer to an autumn winter season of great drama.”

Tickets priced £12.50 or £10 plus (booking fee where applicable) are on sale now from The Waterside Theatre and Millennium Forum Box Office and online at watersidetheatre.com and millenniumforum.com. This production is not suitable for Under 16s.

Iain Barr, Chief Executive of the Waterside Theatre said: “The Waterside Theatre is delighted to host the Royal Shakespeare Company, one of the world’s best known theatre companies, as part of UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It is such a wonderful opportunity for all of our patrons to be able to experience Shakespeare through live theatre of the absolute highest standard.”

The show runs in the Waterside Theatre from October 18 to 20.