Cougar Morrison, RAWWR!

Cougar Morrison was one of the hottest cabaret productions of Fringe World 2015 and it would seem that word has got out. This year's opening night played to a packed house at Connections, with an eclectic and enthusiastic audience.

Cougar is the creation of Clint Strindberg, a classically trained singer and actor and a product of Perth. Cougar hails from the American south, is sassy, clever, outspoken and catty, greeting patrons with his trademark "Bonsoir Bitches!" Gorgeously attired, he appears in a succession of delightful outfits and shows off what is probably Perth's best rear end.

A truly outstanding singer, with repertoire from Miley Cyrus to Edith Piaf, Cougar's singing is interspersed with some witty and moving repartee and he creates a wonderful bond with his audience.

Back-up performers Callan Kneale and Alexander Perrozzi grace the stage with elegance, rocking brief outfits and dancing up a storm. They give a wonderful old-school touch to this production, which draws from Parisian cabaret and old-world elegance with bitchy kick.

For all of Cougar's confidence, lack of humility and flashiness, much of the success of the show is due to the glimpses of the vulnerability, humility and genuine beauty of the performer behind the glitz.

A wonderful celebration of life and a real feel-good cabaret, Cougar Morrison, RAWWR! is a true hot ticket and a show that should be seen.

Kimberley Shaw