Jinkx Monsoon shines as the iconic Judy Garland in a breathtaking performance.
I remember when Jinkx Monsoon debuted as Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago on Broadway in 2023. Reporting on the reaction to her first night on The Great White Way from this side of the pond it was clear that Monsoon’s star power far exceeded that which she had exhibited in her historic two wins on RuPaul’s Drag Race and its spinoff, All Stars.
Since then she has gone on to enjoy stellar success on New York stages in Little Shop of Horrors, Pirates! The Penzance Musical, and two outings in the bratty wig in Oh, Mary!, as well as continuing to entertain audiences with her solo tours and annual holiday shows with fellow Drag Race alum, BenDeLaCreme.
Now she takes to the London stage in the revival of Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow directed by Rupert Hands at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. Here, she plays gay icon and all-around legend, Judy Garland. Though, true fans, and even perhaps those less well acquainted with Monsoon, will know it’s not her first time portraying Garland. Monsoon memorably, and quite rightly (along with Trinity the Tuck), won Snatch Game on her season of the All Winners edition of All Stars for a truly uncanny and hilarious performance as The Wizard of Oz actress.
Monsoon is outstanding, she is Garland incarnate. From the moment the actress descends through the auditorium to the stage, crooning as she goes, she has us in the palm of her hand. Dressed in a large black fur coat, matching hat and oversized sunglasses she looks every bit the star. When she hits the stage the action begins as we see Judy arrive at The Ritz in London ahead of the six-week run of shows at The Talk of the Town in the months prior to her death in 1969.
There is no shortage of superlatives with which to describe the performance Monsoon gives through the next two and a bit hours. Well-known for her charisma and comedic chops, Monsoon brings everything to the role imbuing Garland with a devilish sense of humour and dry wit that even rivals that of the British. With iconic Garland musical numbers including “The Trolley Song” and “Get Happy”, Monsoon exceeds expectations, demonstrating her sensational and total command of the stage and her craft. Her vocals fill the space, ensuring all eyes are on her and the display of sheer star power. The finale, “Over the Rainbow” is spine-tinglingly good and other musical moments had me smiling more broadly than the Cheshire Cat.
With the play delving into the darker side of Garland’s life, the addiction and abuse she suffered throughout her life, and her relationships with men, one might wonder whether Monsoon is capable of navigating the big swings the show makes from bright, sparkling levity to dark, serious drama. Indeed, it’s a question Monsoon had herself, as she expresses so in the programme notes. But she completes these swings with ease, breaking your heart as capably as warming it as Judy explains her struggles and alienates herself from those who love her. Cliché as it may be, you could literally hear a pin drop during some of the play’s most dramatic moments and it’s all because of Monsoon impeccable performance.
It’s hard to imagine else doing the role as much justice as Monsoon. All her performance experience is put to good use here. In moments when the elegant set is transformed from her hotel room, where most of the action occurs, to The Talk of the Town stage, Monsoon’s proves she knows how to work a crowd, playing off the audience at times, interacting with us as if we’re at an actual Garland show.
Alongside Monsoon, Scrubs actor Jacob Dudman stars as Mickey Deans, Garland’s husband and manager, and Adam Filipe as her faithful pianist, Anthony. Fred Double rounds out the cast in a number of roles including drummer in the actual band! Mickey and Anthony are the devil and angel on poor Garland’s weary shoulders. The two men frequently disagree over how to deal with her often with Garland literally positioned in the middle of them. Their roles as the guides on Garland’s shoulders is accentuated by costume and set designer Jasmine Swan who puts Mickey in darker colours and Anthony in light hues.
When the play opens Garland is off the pills and booze, and Mickey is keen to keep it that way. However, as things slip he relinquishes control and allows Garland to plunge herself back into a downwards spiral and we all know where it leads. Meanwhile, Anthony does his best to counter this, reminding Garland of the love of her fans, especially the queer community whom he represents.
As Mickey, who is determined that Garland will finish her six-week run of shows at almost any cost, Dudman brings a quiet confidence and subtlety to the stage. While Filipe brings a welcome sense of stability to proceedings. He is charming and largely gives an understated performance that balances out the more bombastic moments between Monsoon and Dudman’s characters. I don’t envy anyone trying to match up to Monsoon here, but both actors acquit themselves well.
Quilter’s script, which the 2019 Oscar-winning film Judy was based on, manages to weave in exposition about Garland’s background and the abuse and treatment she lived through without feeling clunky or overwrought. Through Anthony, Quilter gives space to examine Garland’s relationship with her fans, namely the queer community. These moments feel tender and considered, not forced in, but deserving and well placed. Sadly, the play is let down somewhat by its ending—aside from the aforementioned “Over the Rainbow”—which concludes things with a monologue delivered by Felipe about how Garland’s life ended and the funeral. It does feel like there could be a more fitting end, especially given the talents of Monsoon.
Swan’s staging is simple but effective—a grand piano sits centre stage among plain, white, tiered levels—allowing seamless moves between The Ritz and The Talk of The Town. The band, hidden behind a white curtain at the back of the stage, is revealed during these transitions. Soho Theatre Walthamstow, formerly the Walthamstow Granada Cinema, feels like the perfect venue for such a show. Its art deco features and façades designed by Theodore Komisarjevsky transport us into Garland’s world and seem made for her and this show.
End of the Rainbow is a reminder of how we treat certain women in the spotlight. As much as we love to celebrate them, we are also fascinated by witnessing them fall as we see with Garland and have seen with other female celebrities since. It’s anchored by a spectacular performance from Monsoon and that is the impression most people will no doubt leave with. I would happily be back for more.
By Alastair James
End of the Rainbow is now running in a limited limited engagement extended through June 21st, 2026 at Soho Theatre Walthamstow. For more details and to purchase tickets visit sohotheatre.com/walthamstow.
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