Judy Garland died in 1969 in a London hotel, aged 49. She would go down in history as one of Hollywood's greatest performers, but also one of its most troubled stars. Peter Quilter's End of the Rainbow delves into the fascinating persona of one of cinema's most legendary figures. Currently running at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, take a read below to find out what critics thought of Jinkx Monsoon's performance.

The Reviews

The Guardian

"It's tremendous casting which also honours Garland's status as a queer icon, which is underlined in the script by Anthony's earnest appreciation and Mickey's homophobic contempt. Though Filipe is touching, both of the characters remain too functional, teeing up her anecdotes, and the hotel scenes grow grindingly repetitive and exasperating, although that's the authentic terrain of addiction."

Theatre & Tonic

"Monsoon's portrayal of Judy is exquisitely detailed. Most of the time she speaks slowly and softly, but the moment Judy becomes emotional, words pour out of her in frantic torrents, as though her nerves are perpetually stretched to breaking point. The way she walks and places her hands on her hips is very distinctive, and I found myself noticing her habitual gestures of touching her cheek, adjusting her earrings, and anxiously fiddling with her fingers."

The Stage

"Jinkx Monsoon triumphs as Judy Garland in an uneven production."

The Standard

"First the good news: drag queen and trans Broadway star Jinkx Monsoon has an astonishing voice, a huge presence and has got Judy Garland's vocal and physical mannerisms down pat, in this revival of Peter Quilter's play about the star's infamous last London appearance, months before her death in June 1969. The bad news: her performance is over the top and indulgent, bordering on caricature. This Judy is a honking, bleary pastiche, from which triumphant renditions of Get Happy and Over the Rainbow emerge."

Broadway World

"The work is undoubtedly at home in Walthamstow: the original architecture of the venue hugs Jasmine Swan's set design tenderly. The opulence of the proscenium encases the white pleated stage, while a piano sits in the centre. A curtain hides a stunning jazz band away for much of the time. It looks incredible. In the same way that Garland was chewed up and spat back out by Hollywood, it's a shame that the profundity of the story is swallowed whole by its accidental comedy."

All That Dazzles

"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."