End of the Rainbow | Soho Theatre Walthamstow

It's impossible to articulate the impact Judy Garland has had on the entertainment industry. Her life ended tragically short but she truly left her mark on the world unlike any other. Performing before she could even utter her first words, Garland never knew life without entertaining others. In the breathtaking space that is the newly established Soho Theatre Walthamstow, End of the Rainbow is an energetically charged, moving and heartbreaking portrayal of the latter years of Garland’s life.

Bewildering yet calming, I found myself deeply moved at the story of this sensational woman and I couldn’t help but feel that if in some alternative universe, she is someone I would have been drawn to, like a moth to a flame.

Judy Garland is portrayed by the incomprehensibly talented Jinkx Monsoon. Monsoon was born to play this role, she has tapped into something that can only be described as genius. The two-time RuPaul's Drag Race winner and Broadway powerhouse embodies Garland to an almost spiritual level, her voice is velvet and magnificently placed and it feels ethereal to be in her presence.

From the punches of comedic timings lulling you into a false sense of security to the heartbreaking outburst of a woman that was never taken care of, it is truly captivating. During the heightened moments of confession and reasoning of her addiction issues, Monsoon’s performance almost resembles a tortured animal begging for help. It’s magnetic, gut wrenching and quite possibly the best performance you will see this year.

Garland's fifth and final husband Mickey Deans was clearly controversial; and Jacob Dudman’s performance is grounded and he captures the toxicity of their relationship, eerily engaging. Monsoon often explains in heightened scenes ‘he’s my protector’ signifying her version of being loved was that of being controlled in some way. Though undoubtedly strong, Dudman's performance could feel a little trapped, with nuance being at the forefront which didn’t always land in the spacious venue. He is, however, suave and accomplished in his decisions.

Adam Filipe’s performance personifies a wave of calm on stage. His character felt like paying homage to the love affair between Garland and the queer community and a reminder that the truest form of love can be within our friendships. In the heartbreak of the latter years of her life, her friendship with Anthony opened our eyes to the glimmer of hope that Garland may just find her peace. Filipe’s performance allowed the scenes to breathe, complimenting the masterful theatrics of Monsoon’s portrayal.

Peter Quilter has written a piece with heart, grit and just the right amount of twists and turns to pull the rug out from underneath us just at the moment. Layered monologues of glorious anecdotes spill onto the stage which is credited to Monsoon’s delivery and Quilter’s ability to turn research into story. Rupert Hand's direction feels intentional but gentle with Judy rightfully so being the centrepiece moving sporadically around the stage. His direction oozes with love and fascination as to what a woman she was. The baron set design curated by Jasmin Swan met with a single grand piano, lone chandelier, and white stairs draped in cloth almost felt like for a brief moment we were allowed access in Judy’s mind, eerily beautiful.

End of the Rainbow is a beautiful piece of theatre, but what makes it unforgettable is Jinkx Monsoon’s powerhouse performance. She has left me in awe, bewildered and wishing for a one-woman version of this. A harsh reminder we must remember to take care of those we idolise and how hope is never lost when good friendships exist amongst us.

End of the Rainbow plays at the Soho Theatre Walthamstow until 21st June 2026 - tickets and more information can be found here.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Danny Kaan