Drag legend Jinkx Monsoon will be taking on the iconic role of Judy Garland in End of the Rainbow, at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, London, from 15 May until 21 June 2026.
Produced by Lambert Jackson with Sean Nyberg & Paul Danforth and Pascal Productions, Peter Quilter’s End of the Rainbow is a theatrical depiction of Judy Garland in the final chapter of her life. Pulling back the curtain on Hollywood’s sweetheart and revealing a life lived under the relentless gaze of fame, where every triumph and heartbreak is played out in technicolour.
London, 1968. At the legendary Talk of the Town, Garland readies herself for a series of concerts that will both captivate and haunt. The world adores her, yet behind the glittering spotlight lies a fierce struggle for control, survival, and the relentless drive to perform at whatever the cost.
Speaking about this exciting role, Jinkx Monsoon 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 said: “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, added: “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.”
Jinkx Monsoon is an award-winning actress, comedian, and recording artist, best known for being the first and only drag queen to win RuPaul’s Drag Race twice. She had also made a name for herself on Broadway with critically-acclaimed performances as Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary!, and Matron “Mama” Morton in Chicago. She also starred as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors off-Broadway opposite Corbin Bleu, and Ruth in the Tony-nominated revival, Pirates! The Penzance Musical.
Tickets for End of the Rainbow go on sale at 10am on Thursday December 4, with a presale starting at 10am on Wednesday December 3.
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