🎭Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett
🗓️10 April to 11 May
📍Meat Market North Melbourne
🎟️eventbrite.com.au

Melbourne’s cabaret scene has no shortage of talent, but one performer continues to stand out with their bold blend of vintage glamour and modern self-expression: Ivor Rosebud. By day, Lachlan works as a professional landscaper. By night, he steps into the heels and persona of Ivor, a drag performer whose work reflects both a deep connection to the past and a fearless embrace of individuality.

Ivor’s character is inspired by the elegance and theatricality of old Hollywood. Icons like Barbra Streisand and Elaine Stritch have heavily influenced both the aesthetic and emotional resonance of their performances. With stylised vocals, dramatic costuming, and a nod to classic cabaret timing, Ivor pays homage to these legendary figures while crafting something distinctly contemporary.

Performing regularly at Bernie Dieter’s Club Cabaret in Melbourne, Ivor has become a fixture in a space known for embracing boundary-pushing art and inclusive storytelling. Club Cabaret offers a rare environment where performers are not only encouraged to entertain, but to provoke thought, challenge expectations, and celebrate individuality. It is in this space that Ivor says they feel most at home, where the line between performer and audience blurs in an atmosphere of shared connection.

The journey from Lachlan to Ivor is not about creating a separate identity, but rather amplifying aspects of self that might otherwise remain hidden. Ivor is not a mask, but a magnifier—an artistic lens through which Lachlan explores gender, creativity, and confidence. This blend of personas reveals a deeper truth: performance, for many drag artists, is not an escape but a fuller expression of who they are.

Since first stepping on stage, Ivor’s act has evolved significantly. What began as a basic exploration of drag has matured into a refined performance persona, complete with signature looks, recurring themes, and emotional depth. The development process involves writing, costume design, movement, and audience interaction—each element shaped over time through experimentation and personal reflection. Ivor’s performances often walk the line between humour and vulnerability, offering a combination of spectacle and sincerity that resonates deeply with audiences.

A key element of Ivor’s approach is the connection they build with the crowd. Each performance is different, informed by the energy in the room. Ivor’s style encourages engagement, whether through laughter, surprise, or quiet reflection. That sense of real-time exchange is what elevates the experience, making every show a collaborative event rather than a one-way performance.

Drag and cabaret have long served as vehicles for social commentary, and Ivor’s work continues that tradition. Without being didactic, their performances invite audiences to consider themes of gender fluidity, self-acceptance, and the power of transformation. The artistry is in the details—how a line is delivered, how a costume changes the mood, how a song choice evokes memory and meaning.

Though rooted in performance, Ivor’s story is also about identity and growth. Lachlan’s life as a landscaper may seem far removed from the world of cabaret, but both are acts of creation. Whether shaping a garden or curating a stage persona, the underlying impulse is the same: to make something meaningful, to share beauty, and to connect with others.

As Melbourne’s cabaret community continues to evolve, Ivor Rosebud stands as a reminder of what makes the genre so enduring. It’s not just about glamour or entertainment, but about truth—delivered with sparkle, wit, and a generous dose of courage.