There have been numerous portrayals of Judy Garland both on stage and film. However, rarely do they compare to the real thing. End of the Rainbow is one of these true exceptions.
Written by Peter Quilter the play is set in London’s Ritz hotel during the final months before Judy’s death and explores her complex relationships with her final husband, Mickey Deans, devoted pianist Anthony Chapman and her ever loving fans. Judy is booked at the Talk of The Town for a 6 week comeback which is her last chance to pull back from the brink of bankruptcy. Her many years of substance abuse features heavily throughout but is handled in a light hearted manner which is both comical and heartbreaking. There are small one-liners giving us a glimpse into Judy’s past and what has lead her to her current state of decline without drawing the audience away from the present.
The show features a dazzling performance by Caroline O’Connor who portrays Judy with such energy and pizzazz you truly feel your watching the real thing. Her powerful voice brings to life Judy’s original hits and manages to bring the climactic endings which made Garland famous. The clever lighting also gives an extra punch to each number and adds to the wow factor of each performance.
I am positive that this play will be around for years to come and will eventually make it to the west end stage. If you only see one play this year make sure it’s this one and you’ll go home knowing you saw the best the festival has to offer.
5/5
James Ferdinando
