The emergence of The Vivienne as a prominent figure in British drag culture
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James Lee Williams, widely recognized as The Vivienne, emerged as one of the most prominent breakout stars in British drag, with his journey commencing in 2019 during the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, where he delivered a memorable impression of Donald Trump.
The Vivienne, like many contestants on the show, showcased an unapologetically distinctive persona and a refreshingly candid sense of humor, but she possessed an additional quality: undeniable flair.
Judge Michelle Visage hailed her as "the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show," a title earned through her striking portrayal of President Trump—characterized by exaggerated pouted lips, vibrant orange makeup, and a floppy blonde wig—during the Snatch Game segment, which ultimately secured her victory in the competition.
This triumph solidified The Vivienne's standing within the drag community and propelled her career in television and musical theatre to new heights.
Delivering one of the most unforgettable performances in the Snatch Game is a challenging task; however, The Vivienne's contributions to the show extend well beyond her portrayal of Trump, as she played a pivotal role in creating some of the series' most memorable moments.
The choice of her drag name, The Vivienne, stems from her admiration for Vivienne Westwood's fashion, and her weekly ensembles on the runway were unparalleled.
During her time on the show, she characterized her drag aesthetic as resembling "a Scouse wife who has come into wealth, relocated to LA, squandered it all, and then returned to Liverpool."
With every contour perfectly placed and a flawless stride in stilettos, she captivated the judges with her daring, glamorous, and cheeky appearances.
Her ensemble inspired by 'Queen Elizabeth strolling through Balmoral,' featuring a gold poncho paired with a grey knitted skirt adorned with fluffy ducks, stands out as one of her most iconic looks.
When she combined this outfit with her rendition of the floss dance, it elicited uncontrollable laughter from viewers, fellow contestants, and even RuPaul himself.
During the finale, judge Graham Norton remarked that she possessed "it all," while fellow judge Alan Carr noted her "trademark wit" and praised her for delivering a "comedy masterclass" through her impressions of figures such as Trump, Margaret Thatcher, and Kim Woodburn.
The Vivienne subsequently participated as a contestant in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2025.
