Doctor Who star joins “remarkable” ’60s-set drama based on a “tragically beautiful” true story

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Jinkx Monsoon, a star from Doctor Who and winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will portray Judy Garland on stage. The limited-run production of End of the Rainbow will be in London next year. The play is set in 1968 and focuses on the last months of Garland’s life, exploring the career of the iconic actress and singer known for roles like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and Esther in A Star Is Born.

Opening on May 15th at Soho Theatre Walthamstow, End of the Rainbow is a poignant play inspired by Judy Garland’s iconic song ‘Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz. The play will continue its run until June 21st.

Jinkx, known recently for playing the villain Maestro in Doctor Who, discussed taking on the role of Garland – a part previously and famously played by Renée Zellweger in the film Judy. She explained that she intends to explore different sides of Garland’s life and story in her performance.

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I first encountered Judy Garland through her performances, like a lot of people, but it’s her personal journey that’s kept her important to me.

Looking back, it’s really sad to see how fame changed her. It’s easy to see now that a lot of different things contributed to the life she led, and it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. It’s like, playing the game of life, she had a really tough campaign.

People recognize me for doing impressions and imitations, but I’m really excited to delve deeper and explore what makes Judy Garland still so memorable and beloved today, beyond just the entertainment she provided.

Her story is unforgettable, particularly now as women in the entertainment industry continue to fight for control and independence over their work. I’m excited to present a fresh take on her life on stage and share the heartbreaking beauty I’ve discovered within it with audiences in the UK.

Jinkx will be performing at the new Soho Theatre location in Walthamstow, and Head of Comedy Steve Lock has lauded her as a ‘comic brilliance’.

Lock said they were immediately impressed by Jinkx’s comedic talent and star power when she first performed in the UK at Soho Theatre in 2016 with The Vaudevillians.

We’ve collaborated with Jinkx on many successful shows, including sold-out performances at the Soho Theatre, UK tours, and a hugely popular run at the 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She’s since become a Broadway star, and we’re thrilled she’s returning to perform on our largest stage in Walthamstow – ten years after we first started working together.

Jinkx Monsoon is a seasoned musical theatre performer. She’s appeared on Broadway as Mama Morton in Chicago (2023) and also played Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.

You can catch ‘End of the Rainbow’ at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from May 15th to June 21st. Tickets go on sale December 3rd at 10am.

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2025-11-27 00:19