End of the Rainbow review: Jinkx Monsoon is the embodiment of Judy Garland

by

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Jinkx Monsoon playing Judy Garland in “End of the Rainbow” isn’t a surprise – the celebrated drag performer and Broadway star has often been linked to the legendary actress.

Jinkx Monsoon’s captivating and delightfully eccentric portrayal of Judy Garland helped her win Snatch Game on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 7, a competition she ultimately won overall.

Jinkx Monsoon is back as Judy, and audiences can expect the same captivating energy and wit. This time, however, she’s bringing a more intense and unpredictable performance to the London stage.

End of the Rainbow portrays the last weeks of Judy Garland’s life, revealing the struggles with addiction and exhaustion she faced while preparing for a series of performances at the Talk of the Town in London in 1969. It offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the iconic performer’s personal challenges.

Jinkx Monsoon’s character, Judy, is wonderfully complex. She’s a captivating mix of being spoiled and endearing, sad and inspiring, dazzling and delicate, and heartbreakingly funny. The speed with which Monsoon shifts between these contrasting traits showcases her incredible acting talent.

The play covers everything about Judy Garland, from her captivating personality and sharp humor to the struggles she faced later in life. While some of her quirks are presented comically, the performance is always affectionate and respectful, thanks to Jinkx Monsoon’s portrayal and Peter Quilter’s writing.

Judy Garland’s performance of ‘Monsoon’ powerfully connects the audience to her past, recreating the atmosphere of her 1969 London concert at Talk of the Town as if we were there, rather than watching a more recent show.

The show’s immersive quality is also thanks to set and costume designer Jasmine Swan. Her designs, combined with the beautiful, historic building of Soho Theatre Walhamstow, create a truly captivating experience.

Jinkx’s performance is strikingly similar to Judy Garland’s, capturing her distinctive vocal style – a quick vibrato and powerful delivery – in songs like ‘The Trolley Song’ and ‘Get Happy’. She also perfectly mimics Garland’s confident stance and energetic stage presence.

The script not only celebrates Judy Garland, but also highlights the significance of her LGBTQ+ fans. It does this through the character of Anthony, her pianist, who shares a warm, playful, and loving friendship with her.

There’s a sweet scene where Anthony pleads with Judy to escape with him to the English coast and start a new life, far from the pressures of fame. Many LGBTQ+ fans connect with his love for Judy and his wish to protect her from the difficulties she faces.

Quilter’s play is a compelling mix of drama, music, comedy, and tragedy. While the writing is generally strong, the emotional impact of Judy’s death feels underwhelming. The story relies on Anthony telling us about it, which feels like an overused technique and doesn’t deliver the powerful emotional blow the play seems to be aiming for.

Despite its flaws, the play ends beautifully, largely due to a truly moving performance of a well-known song. Be sure to bring tissues – you might need them!

Jinkx delivers a fantastic performance, but Adam Felipe’s very precise speech sometimes makes his lines sound a little stiff. It’s not a major issue, and he’s generally funny and clever, but the contrast with Jinkx, a truly exceptional performer, makes it more noticeable. These minor flaws really only stand out when compared to someone with such a strong stage presence.

Jinkx Monsoon’s performance is truly exceptional, and with her rising fame, this production feels like a special event. People will likely remember it as one of the first opportunities to experience Jinkx Monsoon performing on stage in Britain.

Don’t miss “End of the Rainbow”! It’s playing for a limited time at Soho Theatre Walhamstow and is expected to be very popular.

Looking for great theatre in 2026? Find out how to get tickets for the West End’s upcoming production of Rent, and be sure to check out Jesus Christ Superstar too!

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When and where can I see Jinkx Monsoon in End of the Rainbow?

You can catch End of the Rainbow at the Soho Theatre in Walhamstow. It’s just a five-minute walk from Walhamstow Central Station, which is served by the Victoria Line and the London Overground (Weaver Line).

The show will be running until Saturday 21 June.

How to get End of the Rainbow tickets

Tickets for the show are available from TodayTix and London Theatre Direct, but how many are available depends on the date.

Cheaper tickets are selling fast, so if you’re looking for a good deal, it’s best to book soon.

Authors

Joanna Magill

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2026-05-22 02:35