Jinkx Monsoon being cast as Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow isn't the first time the two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner and Broadway powerhouse has been associated with the iconic film star.
Jinkx's charismatic and slightly unhinged representation of Judy Garland made her joint winner of Snatch Game in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 7, one of the series she later went on to win.
Now, Jinkx is making a triumphant return as Judy, bringing that same charisma and humour, but also a darker and more frenetic side of the acclaimed actress, to the London stage.
End of the Rainbow focuses on the final days of Judy Garland, offering a look behind the curtain at the beloved star's battles with addiction and burnout as she prepares for a run of shows at the Talk of the Town nightclub in London in 1969.
Jinkx's Judy contains multitudes; she is petulant yet lovable, pathetic yet admirable, resplendent yet frail, tragic yet hilarious. That all of these characteristics are cycled through in quick such succession is testament to Monsoon's acting ability.
Everything from Judy's natural charm and acerbic wit to the decline of her latter years is brought to the stage. Certain elements of her character are played for laughs, but we are never laughing at her, as both Jinkx and playwright Peter Quilter clearly treat Judy with the utmost love and respect.
Monsoon is a true conduit for Judy, transporting the audience back in time in scenes where her London concerts are re enacted and we are changed from the End of the Rainbow audience into the 1969 Talk of the Town audience.
Credit for this transportation must also be given to set and costume designer Jasmine Swan, as the combination of her artistic skill with the beautiful period architecture in Soho Theatre Walhamstow itself makes for a fully immersive theatrical experience.
Jinkx embodies Garland to almost an eerie degree, with her rapid vibrato and theatrical projection shining through in classic numbers like The Trolley Song and Get Happy, along with her signature posture and demanding physical performances.
As well as paying homage to Judy herself, Quilter's script emphasises the importance of Judy's LGBTQ+ fanbase through the character of Anthony, her gay pianist with whom she has a tender, affectionate and gently teasing friendship.
In a particularly touching moment, Anthony begs Judy to run away with him to the English coast where they can begin a life together, away from the bright lights and the exhaustion that they bring. This love for Judy and the desire to save her from her fate is something that her myriads of queer fans can relate to today.
Quilter expertly blends drama, music, comedy and tragedy in his powerhouse of a play. However, despite the overall strength of the writing, the emotional climax of the play is somewhat let down by its reveal of Judy's death, which is recounted by Anthony as a narrator. This overplayed device lacks the emotional gut punch that the narrative has been building to.
That being said, the play has a more than redeeming ending, thanks to a flawless and heart-wrenching performance of a very special song (no prizes for guessing what it is). We'd definitely recommend you bring along some tissues.
While Jinkx herself gives a five-star performance, Adam Felipe's over-articulation lends a certain woodenness to some lines. While not overpowering, it is noticeable and sometimes distracting from his otherwise wry and witty performance. However, it could be said that small imperfections like this only really show up when placed beside a true Broadway powerhouse.
The strength of Monsoon's performance cannot be overstated, and as her theatrical star power only grows, this seems like a production that people will look back on and brag that they were among the first to see Jinkx Monsoon on the British stage.
End of the Rainbow is truly unmissable, and with a strictly limited run at Soho Theatre Walhamstow, it's set to be the hottest ticket in town.
Buy End of the Rainbow tickets from £23 at TodayTixBuy End of the Rainbow tickets from £25 at London Theatre DirectFor more live theatre in 2026, here's how to get tickets to the West End revival of Rent, plus don't miss out on Jesus Christ Superstar tickets!
When and where can I see Jinkx Monsoon in End of the Rainbow?
End of the Rainbow is playing at Soho Theatre Walhamstow, which is a five minute walk from Walhamstow Central Station, which serves the Victoria Line and London Overground (Weaver Line).
The show will be running until Saturday 21 June.
Buy End of the Rainbow tickets from £23 at TodayTixBuy End of the Rainbow tickets from £25 at London Theatre DirectHow to get End of the Rainbow tickets
You can find tickets for the production at TodayTix and London Theatre Direct, with availability varying between dates.
Tickets on the more affordable side have been selling out quickly, so if you're on a budget, we'd suggest you book your tickets soon.
Buy End of the Rainbow tickets from £23 at TodayTixBuy End of the Rainbow tickets from £25 at London Theatre DirectFor more of our thoughts on London's latest shows, check out our Avenue Q review.
Hence then, the article about end of the rainbow review jinkx monsoon is the embodiment of judy garland was published today ( ) and is available on Radio Times ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( End of the Rainbow review: Jinkx Monsoon is the embodiment of Judy Garland )
Also on site :
- Javier Bardem, Mark Ruffalo, Walter Salles, Isabel Coixet, Annemarie Jacir & Yorgos Lanthimos Sign Anti-Bolloré Letter As Signatures Swell To 3.5K
- Cardiologists Say This Common Nighttime Habit Might Be Weakening Your Heart
- Man’s belly button next to Trump during Oval Office announcement steals the show on social media