QX meets The Vivienne. To coincide with the launch of RuPaul’s Drag Race on TruTV, twenty one shortlisted drag artists gathered in the West End two weeks ago to perform in front of Ru herself, for the chance to be crowned the first UK Drag Race ambassador. It was a fiercely fought competition with queens from every corner of the land sashaying to stay.
Our very own La Voix placed second overall, but it was The Vivienne from Liverpool who claimed the title. We sent Jason Reid off for a chat with her this week…
First things first, condragulations on winning the competition. How does it feel now you’ve had some time for it to sink in?
The Vivienne: Thank you so much, Jason! At the moment I feel like I’m in a crazy tucked up dream. But it feels great!
Did you approach the competition with a game plan or strategy?
The Vivienne: My only game plan was ‘do you!’ And hopefully they’ll love you. And I think it worked.
It must have been quite a surreal experience, especially with RuPaul right in front of you. What was going through your mind as you progressed through the rounds?
Surprisingly, I was very calm. I never suffer from stage fright or anything like that. But I was conscious that this was RuPaul. And that’s BIG! I just kept the positive thoughts flowing, and Ru’s words: ‘don’t fuck it up’ ringing through my ears.
So now you’re the official ambassador, what are you looking forward to most about your new role? Flying to LA must be one of them, right?
I’ve been dreaming about going to LA for ages. And now it’s going to become a reality. West Hollywood is like the holy grail of drag. I can’t wait to meet the gorgeous pit crew member Miles Davis Moody. But the main aim, of course, is to show the UK that the drag queens are here.
Away from Drag Race, tell us a bit about yourself and your act.
Well I’ve been doing drag since I was 16, so for around seven years now. I’ve performed all over the world but my heart belongs to my home city of Liverpool. In my act you can expect celebrity impersonation, live vocals and I’ll even take an angle grinder to the stage now and again.
Liverpool must be very proud of you.
The support from everyone there has been simply amazing! Liverpool is the greatest city in the world!
And you perform there regularly?
Yes. I perform and DJ at Superstar Boudoir on Monday and Wednesday nights.
“I just kept the positive thoughts flowing, and Ru’s words: ‘don’t fuck it up’ ringing through my ears”
You come across as a very humble person/performer too. Is that something that’s important to you?
I think it’s extremely important to remain humble in order to let people in, and I love people! I’ve got time for everyone. Negativity gets you nowhere.
Good attitude to have. So there’s been lots of talk about a UK version of Drag Race, and surely you’d be one of the first names on the list for that now. Would you do it?
OH MY! Of course I’d do it. This is the MAIN goal.
Do you think the format would need to be adapted for a UK version?
No, not at all. Keep it the same as in the US.
If it did happen, who else would you like to see in the line up?
Everybody from the ambassador competition, because they all kick ass! And my local girls, Tiara and Stella. They’d give them what for.
Finally, when are we gonna see you back in London. Any plans?
Soon, hopefully. I love London but my club residences and heart is in Liverpool! But I must say, Porn Idol with our Baga is a hoot! So I may have to visit more often.
