The Vivienne’s family and friends are coming together to honour the performer’s lasting impact
The Vivienne and sister Chanel
A night dedicated to drag superstar The Vivienne is coming to the city. The city was heartbroken by the news of the death of the 32-year-old, real name James Lee Williams, when publicist Simon Jones confirmed it at the start of the year.
In an emotional Instagram post, Simon explained the TV personality was more than a client to him, and had become a cherished friend.
Following the news, tributes poured in from all over the world, with a number of messages from Liverpool – the city where The Vivienne made a name for herself before being catapulted to international fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
The performer was laid to rest at a church in Bodelwyddan in Denbighshire, North Wales – where they are originally from. A horse-drawn carriage arrived outside the church, with the coffin inside topped with a white floral arrangement.
The Vivienne artwork at Heaven
The Vivienne was crowned the UK’s First Drag Super Star on the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and it was from this victorious launchpad that she emerged as an entertainer who touched the lives of many around the world.
Now, the city’s drag community is coming together to honour the life and legacy of The Vivienne. On Friday, October 3 at Heaven Liverpool, a “one-night-only” charity cabaret event will take place, featuring Liverpool queens, many of who were friends with The Vivienne.
The event will focus on celebrating the music and moments that made the Dancing on Ice finalist a star. Hosted in collaboration with Sahir, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity that The Vivienne regularly supported, and House of the Vivienne, a charity setup in her hometown, the evening will raise vital funds for both organisations’ ongoing work in their local communities.
A lifeline for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction has been launched in memory of The Vivienne(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool ECHO)
Heaven Liverpool’s events and entertainment manager, Cai Milligan, told the ECHO: “This event is all about celebrating Vivienne’s career, her heart, her humour, and the lasting legacy she has left on the Liverpool scene.
“She was a legend and a trailblazer who never forgot her roots, and we want to honour her by giving back to a cause she championed, Sahir House, as well as supporting Vivienne’s family in their new endeavour of House of the Vivienne.”
Street mural tribute to The Vivienne on Jamaica Street in the Baltic Triangle, Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane)
Audiences can expect a line-up of performers putting their own spin on The Vivienne’s most iconic numbers — from her on screen performances on TV shows like Drag Race UK, All Stars, and Dancing on Ice, to her favourite tunes she regularly performed in her own sets — alongside tributes to Vivienne’s own personal inspiration’s such as Cher and Lady Gaga.
The full cast is yet to be announced, but Cai confirmed it will be hosted by Debbie Darling, with entertainment from Shania Pain, Brenda La Beau, Athena Barbital and Naya Thorn.
Tickets are available now online, with all ticket proceeds equally split between Sahir and House of The Vivienne.