Lady Carol - All Alone, Together
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 2:42PM The starring light of last year’s Fringe hit, A Company Of Strangers, returns direct from Sydney Opera House with her own spell-binding show.
Lady Carol has the wit and self-deprecating wickedness of a woman who has always asked for a second-helping.
On the eve of her Australian performances for 2010 at the Sydney Opera House and in the Bosco Theater at Adelaide’s Garden of Unearthly Delights, the mysterious Lady spoke to Cabaret Confessional.
You made a huge impression on Adelaide audiences in last year’s Fringe show “Company of Strangers.” What have you been doing since we last saw you?
Lots! I did the Brighton Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe and the Brisbane Fringe with the Company Of Strangers and I’ve been working gigs around the UK and Europe. So I’ve been working away living the life of a “international act” which in essence means I live out of my suitcase and sleep in lots of hotels and sofas!
You didn’t always make your living as a performer. What sort of jobs did you do before your career as an entertainer took off?
Mainly shop work I worked in a second hand “vintage” shop, a posh designer clothes shop and a video shop. Each of them had their special moments for me. As an example, when I worked in the second hand shop, we would prepare clothes by washing, repairing and ironing them before we put them out for sale. I used to find all sorts of things in the pockets like postcards, letters and hankies (always the worst!) One time I found 2 unused tickets to go and see Evil Kenevel.
Your axe of choice is the ukelele, an instrument that isn’t as common now as it once was. What do you find are the strengths and weaknesses of accompanying yourself with the ukelele?
The Uke has had somewhat of a resurgence in the last few years which is great as it’s a wonderful instrument. It’s easy to play, and if you don’t start learning until you’re a little older it’s not as intimidating as a guitar or a piano. They can seem impossible to master. A beginner’s Uke is really cheap and they are just a really lovely way to accompany yourself if you just want to sing.
You grew up in Ireland and you perform a lot in Europe and the UK. Do you notice much difference in the audience response to your show from country to country?
Not really. A good act translates. I guess in Ireland I’m less of a novelty (being Irish myself) so I sometimes feel I have more to prove.
What other performers inspire you?
Mae West, Robert Mitchum and also modern acts like Camille O’Sullivan, Miss Behave and Paul Capsis. People who are free enough within themselves to do whatever they want and have the ability to pull it off.
What music have you been listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to Mumford and Sons a lot. I really like them!
This Fringe you’re working with a three piece band. Are they musicians you work with regularly or are they a new addition for your Australian shows?
No they’re new to me which is exciting! It’s going to be like a blind date. I’ve chatted to them on line and on the phone a bit and I’m feeling very excited about it. My friend who I used to be in a band with is helping me in the UK to get my head straight about it all with arrangements etc.
In what way does having a band make the performance different?
It makes it bigger and hopefully will add more Omph! Also it’s great to just keep pushing yourself to try new things so when I had the opportunity to have other performers alongside me I jumped at it.
Many people have told me that they’re really excited about seeing you play a full show. Any teasers you can share about what they can expect in your performance?
Oh! That’s lovely! I hope I do their excitement justice! I love a surprise though so I don’t think I’ll say too much. It’s more of me! I haven’t changed so much from the Company days. I will be singing more covers and also songs that I have written myself!
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Lady Carol - All Alone, Together
Venue: The Garden of Unearthly Delights - Bosco Theater
Mar 1 @ 10.15pm Preview tickets $22
Mar 2 & 9 @ 10.15pm All tickets $26
Mar 3-7 & 10-13 @ 10.15pm Adults $32/Concession $26
Book at FringeTIX (1300-FRINGE) or click here.
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Other cabaret shows featured in Adelaide Fringe 2010:
Everybody’s Got Something to Hide (Except for Melissa, Mark and Libby)
Ali McGregor in ‘Jazz Cigarette’
Grocery Girls Gone Wild OR Lock Up Your Porters
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