Jinkx Monsoon has received a standing ovation following the opening night of End of the Rainbow in London, with audience for the drag superstar鈥檚 portrayal of Judy Garland.
The response came after the opening performance of Peter Quilter鈥檚 acclaimed musical drama at Soho Theatre Walthamstow on May 15, with clips circulating widely across Reddit and social media.
The production marks another major stage milestone for Monsoon, who first won over global audiences with her now iconic Garland impersonation on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, where she secured a second consecutive Snatch Game victory before ultimately being crowned the franchise鈥檚 鈥淨ueen of All Queens鈥�.
Jinkx Monsoon steps beyond parody to portray Judy Garland
Set during the final months of Garland鈥檚 life in London in 1969, End of the Rainbow explores the legendary entertainer鈥檚 career, artistry and struggles with addiction ahead of one of her last concert performances.
In an earlier about the role, Monsoon said Garland鈥檚 story had long resonated with her.
鈥淛udy Garland came into my life, like many, through entertainment, but she stays in my life because of her story,鈥� Monsoon said.
鈥淚 know people know me for impressions and imitation, but I鈥檓 thrilled for this chance to explore beyond the laughter and into the heart of why we still think so much about Judy today.鈥�
鈥淗er tale is one that we can鈥檛 forget, especially as women in entertainment are still fighting for autonomy and agency in their own careers.鈥�
Speaking recently to , Monsoon described Garland as 鈥渁 pillar, and an institution鈥�, while reflecting on growing up repeatedly watching The Wizard of Oz as a child.
The performer also spoke candidly about navigating fame as a trans-femme and non-binary artist in the current political climate in the United States.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a really interesting dichotomy,鈥� Monsoon said of public recognition and hostility. 鈥淏ut it also keeps me humble, I gotta say.鈥�
Monsoon told the publication that the growing success of queer and trans performers on major stages should end long-standing industry assumptions about audience acceptance.
鈥淚 want people to remember this,鈥� she said, 鈥渢he next time someone wonders, 鈥楽hould we cast this person from this marginalised demographic?鈥� Yes. Do it.鈥�
鈥淧eople would rather see a fresh perspective than the same thing over and over.鈥�
Known primarily for her drag and comedy work, Monsoon has increasingly shifted towards mainstream theatre in recent years, appearing on Broadway in Chicago, Little Shop of Horrors, Pirates! The Penzance Musical and Oh, Mary!.
The London production of End of the Rainbow continues through June 21.
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