Theatre pays tribute to 'formidable' Drag Race star
PA MediaA theatre has paid tribute to a former performer following their death, aged 32, describing them as "immensely talented" who "delivered the most inspired" Wicked Witch of the West.
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre said James Lee Williams', better known as drag queen The Vivienne, role in the Wizard of Oz last summer was played to critical acclaim.
They won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 and went on to star in musical theatre and TV productions.
The company said the "formidable drag queen" garnered an "outpouring of love and support from our audiences" after their time on the stage.
The performer died over the weekend, their publicist Simon Jones announced on social media.
He described Williams as "an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person".
On Facebook the theatre shared their tribute to the performing star.
It read: "We are beyond devastated to hear of the passing of James Lee Williams, The Vivienne.
"Not only were they a formidable drag queen but also an immensely talented musical theatre performer who created and delivered the most inspired Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz here last summer.
"A role they played to critical acclaim and an outpouring of love and support from our audiences.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends and the Wizard of Oz company."
Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.