EXCLUSIVE: The workforce behind Drag Race is making Expensive Viv, a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of James Lee Williams, AKA British drag icon The Vivienne.
Williams was found dead of their lavatory this January. An inquest into their dying has been adjourned till June.
World of Wonder is producing Expensive Viv with the blessing of Williams’ household and associates. It should have archive footage and intimate interviews with family members and fellow Drag Race contestants Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli & Danny Beard, in addition to excerpts of non-public letters from followers.
The Vivienne gained the first-ever collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and made many appearances on stage and display, together with in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 in addition to ITV competitors present Dancing On Ice in 2023. In theater, The Vivienne performed the Depraved Witch of the West in a 2024 touring manufacturing of The Wizard of Oz.
The doc will launch later this yr on WOW Presents Plus, the streaming service arrange by World of Surprise.
The movie traces Williams’ journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The producers mentioned they needed to showcase their unbreakable spirit and quickfire wit and expertise, which got here to outline them.
The World of Surprise workforce added that the documentary goals to be greater than only a celebration of a profitable profession, however may even honor The Vivienne’s affect on the drag group and past.
“We need to have fun The Vivienne’s extraordinary life and work so everybody can expertise her unbelievable expertise, sass and massive coronary heart,” mentioned Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, Co-Founders of World of Surprise and Government Producers of the movie.
“Though her keep right here on Earth was far too temporary it’s with great admiration and affection that we share her legacy in Expensive Viv.”
