The Vivienne’s extraordinary legacy remembered in first-ever documentary about their life-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

The Vivienne’s legacy is being charted in a new documentary (Picture: WOW Presents)

Late drag queen The Vivienne’s trailblazing achievements are being explored in the first-ever documentary about their extraordinary life.

Dear Viv will chart the performer’s legacy, from winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK to their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, before their death aged 32 in January.

Made with the blessing of The Vivienne’s family and friends, the documentary will feature intimate interviews with their loved ones, including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli and Danny Beard.

Dear Viv will follow their journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise in the world of showbiz after Drag Race – with further spins in shows including Dancing On Ice and the UK theatre tour of The Wizard of Oz.

Showcasing their unbreakable spirit, quickfire wit and undeniable talent, the documentary aims to be more than just a celebration of a dazzling career, but also to honour their profound impact on the drag community and beyond

Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, co-founders of World of Wonder and executive producers, said: ‘We want to celebrate The Vivienne’s extraordinary life and work so everyone can experience her incredible talent, sass and enormous heart. 

‘Although her stay here on Earth was far too brief, it is with tremendous admiration and affection that we share her legacy in Dear Viv.’

Last week, The Vivienne was honoured with the very first Icon Award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards, which was accepted by their manager Simon Jones, their father Lee and their sister Chanel.

In an emotional speech that he struggled to get through at times, Lee said: ‘James loved being a part of the entertainment world and I know he would have been happy. I know he would have absolutely loved tonight’s events.

‘While it is extremely bittersweet to be here tonight without him, being under this roof meant the world to him. Thank you to everyone for your huge love and support.’

At the event at London’s Connaught Rooms, The Vivienne’s friends and Drag Race UK alumni Michael Marouli, Baga Chipz, Danny Beard, Cheryl The Queen and Tia Kofi paid tribute to the queen.

The Vivienne soared to fame after winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Picture: BBC/ Leigh Keily / Matt Burlem)

They performed a floor-thumping and flawless routine to one of Viv’s favourite songs, You Spin Me Right Round, by Dead or Alive with Marouli noting: ‘She’d hate any misery or anyone being upset.’

After The Vivienne’s death, tributes were made by stars including Ariana Grande, Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts, The Vivienne’s former Dancing On Ice partner Colin Grafton and RuPaul.

RuPaul’s tribute read: ‘With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne’, hailing the late entertainer ‘an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being’.

Hundreds of people also gathered in Liverpool to celebrate them at a vigil, which included speeches, musical performances and a poignant moment when attendees spontaneously released balloons into the sky.

Former Emmerdale actor Liam Fox, who starred alongside The Vivienne in theatre show Chitty Chitty Bang Bang paid his respect at the event and told Metro: ‘It was so beautiful. She was so loved by all who knew her which makes it all the more tragic to have lost her so young when there was so much more ahead for her.’

In January, they were laid to rest at a funeral attended by the likes of Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Jade Thirlwall.

Dear Viv will premiere exclusively on WOW Presents Plus later this year.

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