RuPaul’s Drag Race double-champion Jinkx Monsoon will star as Judy Garland in a strictly limited run of Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow in London in 2026.
Presented by Lambert Jackson with Sean Nyberg and Paul Danforth and Pascal Ultee Productions, the production which will be directed by Rupert Hands will play the Soho Theatre in Walthamstow from 15 May to 21 June 2026.
Looking forward to taking on the role of the troubled singer, Monsoon (Oh, Mary!/Chicago, Broadway) said: “Judy Garland came into my life, like many, through entertainment, but she stays in my life because of her story. We know all too well the toll that fame took from her. Looking back, we can see more clearly the many factors that played a part in her storied life.
I know people know me for impressions and imitation, but I’m thrilled for this chance to explore beyond the laughter and into the heart of why we still think so much about Judy today. Her tale is one that we can’t forget, especially as women in entertainment are still fighting for autonomy and agency in their own careers. I’m ready to bring new aspects of her story to the stage, and to share what I find so tragically beautiful about her life, with my UK audiences.”
The producers added: “Lambert Jackson are so thrilled to announce Jinkx Monsoon in our production of End of the Rainbow. Jinkx stepping into the role of Judy perfectly captures her extraordinary talent, humour and truly honours her legacy in Peter Quilter’s remarkable play. End of the Rainbow is full of heart, endurance and that unmistakable razor-sharp Judy wit. We look forward to working with the wonderful Soho Theatre in their state of the art new Walthamstow theatre and sharing this show with audiences.”
Steve Lock, head of comedy at Soho Theatre, commented: “Jinkx made her UK debut at Soho Theatre in 2016 in The Vaudevillians and we were instantly blown away by her comic brilliance and undeniable star quality. Since then, we’ve worked with Jinkx on multiple sold-out Soho Theatre runs, UK tours and most recently a smash-hit Edinburgh Festival Fringe run in 2022. She has gone on to become a Broadway star, and we are so excited to see her make her debut on our biggest stage in Walthamstow, exactly 10 years after first working together.”
Focusing on the months leading up to Judy Garland’s death in London in 1969, Quilter’s acclaimed play premiered at the Sidney Opera House in 2005. The Olivier and Tony-nominated play formed the basis for the award-winning 2019 film Judy which starred Renée Zellweger.
Angela Thomas
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