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Entertainment
May 22, 2026
Analyzed by GPT OSS 120B

Jinkx Monsoon’s Judy Garland Triumphs in “End of the Rainbow”

AI Summary
Jinkx Monsoon delivers a dazzling, emotionally layered portrayal of Judy Garland in the revival of Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow at Soho Theatre. The production blends sharp humor, lush musical arrangements and striking visual design to re‑examine Garland’s late‑career turmoil, while Monsoon’s performance transcends mere impersonation.

The Lead: A Bold Re‑imagining of Garland’s Final Years

The Guardian’s review opens by noting that Drag Race star Jinkx Monsoon brings her celebrated Judy Garland impersonation to a new narrative context—a love triangle set in 1960s London. The revival of Peter Quilter’s 2005 play shifts focus from Garland’s early exploitation to her later struggles with addiction and a fraught personal life.

The Production’s Narrative Twist: Love, Addiction, and Queer Iconography

  • Monsoon’s Garland is caught between steadfast pianist Anthony (Adam Filipe) and opportunistic suitor Mickey (Jacob Dudman).
  • The script juxtaposes private hotel scenes with public performances at Talk of the Town, highlighting the clash between fame and personal decay.
  • Queer themes surface through Anthony’s admiration and Mickey’s homophobic contempt, underscoring Garland’s status as a queer icon.

Musical Direction and Visual Design: Orchestrating Emotion

  • Music direction by Nick Barstow and arrangements by Leo Munby anchor the drama, with Garland’s torch songs—"Just in Time" and "You Made Me Love You"—serving as emotional pivots.
  • Designer Jasmine Swan creates a stark white‑curtain stage, while lighting designer Prema Mehta introduces a Technicolor‑inspired transition that mirrors Garland’s cinematic legacy.

Critical Reception: Performance Nuances and Structural Flaws

  • Monsoon’s vocal performance is praised for its dynamic range, capturing both triumph and fragility.
  • The review notes repetitive hotel scenes that, while authentic to addiction’s grind, can feel grindingly static.
  • Supporting characters are deemed functional, serving more as narrative devices than fully fleshed personalities.

Future Outlook: Potential for a One‑Woman Showcase

The critic suggests that Monsoon’s talent hints at a possible solo rendition of Garland’s story, which could amplify the intimate connection she already establishes with the audience. The show runs at Soho Theatre Walthamstow until 21 June, offering theatre‑goers a chance to experience this layered homage before any further developments.