James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, performed in productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Wizard of Oz at the Cliffs last year.
The Vivienne recently starred as The Child Catcher at the Cliffs (Image: Crossroads Live) The Drag Race UK star as found dead at a property near Chester. Their death is not being treated as suspicious.
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A spokesperson for Trafalgar Theatres, the company that operates the Cliffs Pavilion, said the theatre’s staff had great memories of working with The Vivienne.
The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Image: PA Wire) They said: “The Vivienne was always a pleasure to have through the Cliffs Pavilion doors, polite, a huge talent and friendly with everyone who she met.
“She even made our work experience students’ week by posing for photos with them during The Wizard of Oz.
“It’s a great loss.”
In November, The Vivienne took to the Cliffs’ stage as the infamously terrifying Child Catcher in a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The run followed an earlier turn as The Wicked Witch of the West in February’s the Wizard of Oz.
Southend resident, Julie Ann and her dad, encountered The Vivienne after watching Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in November.
Julie Ann’s dad have a photo with The Vivienne outside the Cliffs (Image: Julie Ann) Noticing her father’s mobility issues, The Vivienne offered to lend a hand and orchestrated a photo with him.
“The Vivienne was so respectful, and like a beautiful whirlwind touched us and made my Dad smile.
“They seemed like such a caring person,” she said.
The performer rose to fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and has since starred in productions around the world.
The Vivienne channelled her inner villain for a go as The Wicked Witch of the West (Image: Marc Brenner) Their death was confirmed by publicist, Simon Jones, in a post to Instagram that said:
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
“They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”