Review: End Of The Rainbow (Soho Theatre Walthamstow)

Review by Daz Gale

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When it comes to legendary actors and singers, very few reach the level of icon status that is widely associated with Judy Garland. Though her life may have been relatively and tragically short, the mark she left on the world has made her immortal. From her still talked about London concerts (often referenced and paid tribute to whenever anyone plays the Palladium) to her classic film roles - her defining turn as Dorothy has cemented her not just as a legendary actress, but the name of the character has been included in the lexicon of everyday language, particularly with the LGBTQIA+ community, who hold her so dear and are proud to be known as friends of Dorothy (though, in my case given our shared surname, I feel like family). It is therefore a hard ask for anyone to step into her jewelled shoes, but that is exactly what Jinkx Monsoon has attempted for this welcome revival of End Of The Rainbow. I took a trip down the yellow brick road (Victoria line on the underground, but close enough) to witness it at Soho Theatre Walthamstow in a performance that doesn't just pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Judy Garland, it somehow extends it.

Peter Quilter’s End Of The Rainbow premiered in Sydney in 2005 and has since enjoyed hit productions worldwide, including an acclaimed West End production in 2010 and its 2012 Broadway transfer, as well as a 2020 movie adaptation, Judy. The story is set in London in 1968, the year before Judy Garland’s death, as she prepares to perform her five-week run of shows at “The Talk Of The Town”. Though she is adored by the world, she faces struggles behind the scenes, battling addiction and a reluctance to perform. With her future husband, Mickey Deans and current pianist Anthony demanding conflicting things for her, what toll will the constant pressure to perform take on Judy?

Though Judy Garland was a star for four decades, her death at the age of 47 makes her tale ultimately a tragic one. Here was a woman whose talent and star quality would extend her fame in the decades following her passing, but she was also a complicated figure. Peter Quilter’s writing explores this magnificently, never opting to shy away from the darker aspects of her existence, or forget the talent that still shone through in spite of this. Instead, Quilter finds a perfect balance to paint a well-rounded portrait of the legendary yet troubled Judy. 

Where Quilter’s writing is at its most interesting is in how Judy’s dynamic changes with the two men in the story with her. On one end of the spectrum is Mickey, the latest in a long line of lovers - on the other is Anthony, her current pianist. It can be argued that both men represent the two differing entities who adored Judy. Anthony very clearly represents the gay man who loves her beyond question and doesn’t want to see her suffer, though it is interesting to see this examined as Anthony's feelings of love become confused. Though in the story, Anthony is a friend of Judy’s, it almost plays out as a fan knowing how the story ends and desperately trying to prevent the unhappy ending Judy received. In that sense, it makes the story all the more poignant and offers a connection to anyone in the audience who idolised her.

Meanwhile, fiancé Mickey Deans represents the men who didn’t have Judy’s best interests at heart and perhaps used her for personal gain. As Mickey does whatever it takes to get Judy on stage, comparisons to the men who would give Judy pills from a young age are drawn, demonstrating this is something she has had to deal with all her life. End Of The Rainbow allows the audience to see Judy from both of these men’s perspectives, risking losing the real Judy as she worries she has lost herself, and painting a remarkable picture of what her state of welfare must have been like in those final years.

Though Quilter’s writing is already strong in itself, this latest production ensures it plays out in the most impactful way possible, thanks to the faultless and inspired direction from Rupert Hands. Great care has been taken to ensure each moment carries the right amount of emotional weight, with repeated moments in act one and the climax, where I found myself tearing up. The way the story transitions from Judy on and off stage is a testament to the skilful nature of Hands’ direction, with each musical number never feeling shoehorned in and carrying with it as much of a storytelling quality as the book, if not more in some cases.

Still a relatively new theatre, having opened last year, my first visit to Soho Theatre Walthamstow impressed me with its use of space and the way the sound carries from the stage. Jasmine Swan’s set design uses the design of the theatre and extends it into the stage, bringing a sense of grandeur to it and blurring the lines between Judy’s stage and hotel room. Swan’s costume design also wows throughout, with Jinkx Monsoon in a series of stunning dresses that pay tribute to the iconic looks Judy Garland is associated with. Strong lighting from Prema Mehta is used to a brilliant and occasionally blinding effect, with the spelling of JUDY particularly effective, while Fabian Aloise’s movement allows Monsoon to effortlessly move while channelling her inner Judy. The whole thing sounds as sensational as it looks thanks to crystal clear sound design from Tony Gayle.

If you are unfamiliar with Jinkx Monsoon, she has wowed audiences on Broadway, brought her own shows to London in the past and recently won over an entire new audience with her scene-stealing turn in Doctor Who. However, it was RuPaul’s Drag Race where many first fell in love with her, and her return for the “All Winners” season (which she ultimately won) saw her take on a certain Judy Garland in the legendary Snatch Game. It is that impersonation that set the wheels in motion for this inspired casting. However, you would be wrong to dismiss Jinkx as Judy in End Of The Rainbow as a simple impersonation, as it extends far beyond that. Jinkx essentially becomes Judy, bringing new meaning to “Jinkx Monsoon IS Judy Garland” on the posters and merchandise. At times, it feels as if the spirit of Judy has possessed Jinkx; her performance is so convincing. This isn’t Jinkx playing Judy - Jinkx really IS Judy.

Much of that is down to what Judy Garland means to Jinkx Monsoon, and how she channels that in her performance. In the programme, Jinkx talks of her own experience of alcoholism, and it is that authenticity that she taps into in this performance. As Judy is so beloved by the LGBTQIA+ community, having a member of that community play the role doesn’t just feel like the perfect fit; it adds something beautiful and resonant to the performance. What Jinkx Monsoon does in this role is nothing short of miraculous. Few could manage such a well-rounded, detailed and nuanced performance as she taps into every nuance of Judy’s personality and effortlessly transforms into her for the performance numbers. It isn’t just the vocals she has down; she nails every aspect, from the mannerisms and characterisation. It isn’t hyperbole when I say Jinkx Monsoon delivers one of the finest character performances I have ever witnessed - what she does in this show needs to be seen to be believed.

The musical numbers that feature throughout End Of The Rainbow bring an emotional touch to the show, as these classics take on new meaning through both Jinkx Monsoon’s exceptional performances and Rupert Hands’ direction. A rather poignant ‘The Man That Got Away’ left me far more teary than I expected to be so early into the play, while an energetic ‘Come Rain or Come Shine’ proved to be an absolute showstopper, receiving the biggest response of the night. Of course, the night could only end with one number, with Jinkx offering a refreshingly restrained rendition of the timeless ‘Over The Rainbow’ in a performance as beautiful as theatre gets. A gifted singer in her own right, the way Jinkx Monsoon channels Judy Garland through her own impressive vocals really is a masterclass, and will go down as one of the finest performances of the year.

Jinkx isn’t alone on that stage, however, with Jacob Dudman delivering a slightly uncomfortable turn as Mickey. Though Judy loves her soon -to-be husband, there isn’t as much reason for the audience to warm to him, with his controlling ways making for a difficult watch, though Dudman plays into this perfectly with a captivating portrayal. Adam Filipe delights as Judy’s friend and pianist, Anthony, in a performance that gets more emotional as it progresses. As the show nears its climax, a tender and intimate scene between Filipe and Monsoon proves one of the standout moments of the show, with Hands’ direction again showing the importance of quieter moments in a show and tapping into that silence while upping the intensity. Filipe’s portrayal of Anthony is sweet and lovable, with a believability in his genuine caring for his friend, and the sense that his own identity represents a far bigger community that all worship Judy in their own way.

As a gay man, it almost feels like it is a birthright to have an adoration for Judy Garland. Though she passed a while before I was born, her stamp on culture and community has been a constant in my life. End Of The Rainbow is more than just a fitting tribute to her; it speaks for any person we hold dear, be that friend, family, or indeed, gay icon. The authenticity and sensitivity that have been crafted in Peter Quilter’s original writing have been extended through Rupert Hands’ direction. However, it is Jinkx Monsoon’s flawless and occasionally devastating performance that takes this to a level few shows ever reach. The result is a watch that encapsulates the very best of theatre, bringing a sense of emotion and celebration to a poignant and powerful production. Folklore suggests that if you ever venture to the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold. End Of The Rainbow is the theatrical equivalent of this in a production that doesn’t just represent all the colours of the rainbow, it’s pure gold.

End Of The Rainbow plays at Soho Theatre Walthamstow until 21st June. Tickets from https://allthatdazzles.londontheatredirect.com/musical/end-of-the-rainbow-tickets 

Photos by Danny Kaan