Drag Race producer, World of Wonder, has a made a documentary tribute for drag star, The Vivienne. The programme will TX on BBC Three and iPlayer on Thursday 28th August
In January this year, Drag Race winner, James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, passed away at the age of 32.
The Vivienne was crowned the UK’s First Drag Super Star on the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. With the support of Viv’s family and closest friends, Dear Viv, offers a “celebratory deeply personal portrait of The Vivienne’s remarkable journey from their roots in North Wales and Liverpool to the global stage.”
The film unfolds through a blend of interviews, family photos, home video, archive and unseen behind-the-scenes Drag Race footage. The Vivienne also triumphed as a finalist on Dancing on Ice, took on the US drag scene in the first ever all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and fulfilled their dream of becoming a West End Star as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.
Interviews include James’ parents and sister and Drag Race friends, including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Cheryl Hole, Raja, Monet X Change, and Trinity Tuck.
Producers Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato, co-founders of World of Wonder, said: “We wanted to celebrate The Vivienne and not just mourn her. Although she left us far too soon her life was defined by her breathtaking talent, scene-stealing charisma, and infinite kindness. We hope her vision and her voice shine through in Dear Viv and that it inspires everyone who watches it. Although producing it was bittersweet, we are so grateful to friends and family for trusting us to tell The Vivienne’s story. Above all, we hope Viv loves the film as much as we loved her.”
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three: “Dear Viv is a fitting tribute to The Vivienne who truly was a trailblazer in the world of drag. She showcased her artistry and talent brilliantly and paved the way for many to follow in her footsteps.”
Dear Viv will air on Thursday 28th August on BBC Three and iPlayer.
Dear Viv (1 x 60) is World of Wonder production for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer commissioned by Nasfim Haque, Head of Content and Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producers for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and the BBC Commissioning Editor is Ruby Kuraishe.
Jon Creamer
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