The producers of a top theatre show that had starred The Vivienne and was due to come to Manchester later this year have issued a tribute to the ‘brilliant talent’ after their death was confirmed at the weekend.
James Lee Williams, who performed as the drag queen, won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and also came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice. It was announced on Sunday that the star had passed away at the age of 32 on Saturday.
The Vivienne’s publicist, Simon Jones, wrote that Williams was an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
READ MORE: Former police officer calls theatre show ‘insensitive’ for featuring Moors murderers
READ MORE: ‘Stunning’ 99p accessory has fashion fans ‘sprinting’ to Home Bargains
Last year, The Vivienne had been performing in a UK tour of beloved musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the role of The Childcatcher. The tour had just finished a run in Blackpool just before Christmas and is due to return for shows in Sheffield from February 18 to March 1.
The show is also scheduled to take in a week of performances in Birmingham before heading to Manchester’s Palace Theatre from March 11 to 16. The Vivienne had been due to perform the role of the show’s villain in the series of shows, before EastEnders actor Charlie Brooker takes over the role in April.
The Vivienne had been due to appear in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK tour until the end of March -Credit:PA
In a statement issued on Monday (January 6), the producers behind the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang UK tour said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the passing of the drag performer.
The statement, issued on behalf of Crossroads Limited, said: “Everyone at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is deeply saddened by the passing of The Vivienne. The Vivienne’s incredible and brilliant talent shone through in their portrayal of The Childcatcher.
“They were an integral part of our company and will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this very sad time.”
The producers added that whilst future performances are set to go ahead as scheduled, ‘there will be further news from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in due course’.
This morning, Cheshire Police said they had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death. A file was now being prepared by the coroner.
The Vivienne also appeared in Dancing on Ice in 2023 -Credit:PA
Amongst those leading the tributes to the star, the producers behind the hit BBC drag competition said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne”. In a post on social media, the television show said Williams’s “talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration”.
Drag Race mentor Michelle Visage, who took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, said in an Instagram post she was ‘heartbroken’ over the news. She wrote: “I don’t know how to say how I feel. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.”
Since appearing on Drag Race UK, The Vivienne had gone on to appear on an All-Stars edition of the original US Drag Race series and also performed in the West End in the Wizard of Oz. They also appeared in the Manchester run of the show last May – saying they were ‘really honoured’ to be given the role of the Wicked Witch.