From Colwyn Bay to Stardom: The Vivienne's Rise as a British Drag Icon
From Colwyn Bay to Stardom: The Vivienne's Rise as a British Drag Icon.
James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, burst onto the scene as one of the standout stars of British drag, kicking things off with a spot-on Donald Trump impression in 2019 during the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
Like many queens on the show, The Vivienne was unapologetically one-of-a-kind and had a knack for straight-talking humor, but she brought an extra flair to the table.
Judge Michelle Visage even called her "the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show," thanks to her unforgettable Trump impression—complete with exaggerated pouts, orange face paint, and a floppy blonde wig—that ultimately secured her the crown.
That victory solidified The Vivienne's status in the drag scene, paving the way for a thriving career in television and musical theater.
Daring, flashy, and sassy styles
The Vivienne really nailed one of the most unforgettable performances in the Snatch Game, but her standout moments on the show go way beyond just her Trump impression. She was behind some of the most iconic scenes that everyone remembers.
She chose the drag name The Vivienne because she’s a huge fan of Vivienne Westwood’s fashion, and her outfits on the runway were absolutely top-notch.
On the show, she described her drag style as “like a Scouse wife who hit the jackpot, moved to LA, blew all her cash, and then had to come back to Liverpool.”
With her makeup flawless and her stiletto walk on point, she impressed the judges with her daring, glamorous, and cheeky looks.
Her outfit inspired by 'Queen Elizabeth strolling through Balmoral' was unforgettable, featuring a gold poncho and a grey knitted skirt adorned with fluffy ducks.
When she broke out the floss dance in that ensemble, it had everyone—viewers, fellow contestants, and even RuPaul—laughing uncontrollably.
In the finale, judge Graham Norton praised her for having "it all," while Alan Carr noted her "trademark wit" and called her performance a "comedy masterclass," especially with her impressions of Trump, Margaret Thatcher, and Kim Woodburn.
The Vivienne later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022.
Skating to the hits of LGBTQ+ legends
In January 2023, The Vivienne made history as the first drag queen to compete on Dancing on Ice, teaming up with American skater Colin Grafton.
She ended up snagging third place, just behind gymnast Nile Wilson and Joey Essex.
The duo dazzled audiences with performances to tracks from iconic LGBTQ+ artists like Dolly Parton and Cher, really shining during the movie and musical weeks with routines to hits like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Don't Cry for Me Argentina.
From the very start, her incredible skating skills kept her out of the bottom two, and she never dropped below third on the leaderboard.
However, it was her week five performance that really resonated with fans, as James chose to skate without drag for the first time, sharing that it was an emotional experience to dance to Beyoncé's Halo "without my armour."
James received a lot of praise for this choice, with one person on X commenting that "'The Vivienne skating as James and not in drag in itself is inspiring."
Tapping into the vibe of the Wicked Witch of the West
Williams has taken the stage in several theater productions, with her latest role being a perfect match for her talents—the misunderstood yet strong and caring Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
She shared the spotlight with Aston Merrygold during the UK and Ireland tour and later brought her character to the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
"I don't have many words to say as this is one huge dream," she posted on Instagram. "Dream big kids."
In November, The Vivienne embraced her Wicked Witch persona off-stage, turning heads in a stunning emerald green sequined gown at the European premiere of the Wicked film.
Most recently, she took on the role of the Childcatcher in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour and performed just a week ago in Blackpool.
TV appearances
The Wizard of Oz marked The Vivienne's debut in theatre, but she was already well-acquainted with the TV scene. After her time on RuPaul's Drag Race, she carved out a solid career on television, popping up in shows like Hunted, Emmerdale, and The Great British Sewing Bee.
During the Christmas season, The Vivienne made an appearance on a celebrity edition of BBC's Blankety Blank.
In 2020, she headlined a six-part series called The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood on BBC Three. The show followed her adventures in Los Angeles as she worked on a music video, all while showcasing her signature Northern wit and sharp one-liners.
Not every contestant or winner from Drag Race has managed to create such a strong brand for themselves, despite their charm and stunning looks. This really highlights how The Vivienne's vibrant personality has shone through in everything she does.
The Vivienne leaves behind an indelible legacy as a trailblazer in the world of drag and entertainment. Her sharp wit, boundless creativity, and unforgettable performances captivated audiences across the globe, making her a beloved icon. From her groundbreaking triumphs on RuPaul's Drag Race UK to her historic turn on Dancing on Ice and her captivating roles in theater,
The Vivienne consistently pushed the boundaries of artistry and self-expression. Her vibrant personality and fearless authenticity inspired countless fans, reminding us all to live boldly and unapologetically. Though she may be gone, her light and legacy will shine on forever.
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