Cougar Morrison, a talented Perth cabaret performer, comedian, drag queen, and Drag Storytime presenter, shares three things she loves most about the coastal capital of Perth. Firstly, she expresses her appreciation for Perth’s live music scene, highlighting the unique experience of live music that cannot be replicated digitally. Cougar has had the opportunity to work at some of the best venues in Perth and also enjoys being in the audience at places like Lyric Lane, the Rechabite, Freo Social, Ellington Jazz Club, and Rosemount Hotel. She praises Perth’s live music techs for their expertise in creating the best sound experience for audiences and making each performance a special and unforgettable experience.
Secondly, Cougar expresses her love for the Swan Valley, where she grew up surrounded by grapevines and horses. She finds solace in the rural beauty of the Swan Valley, just 30 minutes from the city, and appreciates the quality of food and wine available in the region. Cougar has worked at wineries and breweries in the area and enjoys visiting Lamont’s winery, hidden among gum trees. She believes that the Swan Valley offers a diverse and beautiful setting that rivals popular wine regions in the South West of Western Australia.
Thirdly, Cougar highlights Perth’s flourishing drag scene, which she believes has thrived due to the city’s perceived isolation and lack of mainstream entertainment options. She notes the diverse styles and approaches to drag in Perth, with performers specializing in dance drag, camp, old school, club kid, or conceptual drag. Cougar praises the supportive and overlapping communities of drag and burlesque in Perth, where performers collaborate and share similar audiences. She recommends checking out local drag competitions like Crown of the Court at Court Hotel and attending Drag Factory events at the Court for a taste of Perth’s vibrant drag scene.
As a performer, Cougar participates in events that celebrate diversity and inclusion, such as PrideFEST at Raine Square. She will be appearing at PrideFEST screenings of iconic LGBTQ+ films like Burlesque and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Cougar’s involvement in PrideFEST events aligns with her commitment to promoting LGBTQ+ representation and visibility in Perth’s arts and entertainment scene. She brings her talents as a cabaret performer and drag queen to these events, entertaining audiences and championing queer voices in the community.
In addition to her performances and community involvement, Cougar reflects on the unique and exciting atmosphere of Perth’s drag and burlesque scene. She dispels notions of Perth being boring or isolated, emphasizing the creativity and diversity of the local drag community. Cougar believes that Perth’s smaller drag scene encourages experimentation and variety in drag styles, with performers exploring different genres and aesthetics. She highlights the supportive and interconnected nature of Perth’s drag and burlesque communities, where artists collaborate and inspire each other to push boundaries and create innovative performances.
Overall, Cougar Morrison’s perspective on Perth’s live music scene, the Swan Valley, and the burgeoning drag community showcases the city’s vibrant and creative culture. Through her performances, community involvement, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation, Cougar contributes to the thriving arts and entertainment landscape of Perth. Her passion for live music, appreciation of the Swan Valley’s natural beauty, and admiration for Perth’s diverse drag scene reflect the rich tapestry of experiences and talents that make Perth a dynamic and welcoming coastal capital.
