Jinkx Monsoon Leads 2026 London Revival of End of the Rainbow in a Powerful Reimagining of Judy Garland’s Final Chapter

Jinkx Monsoon’s return to Judy Garland—this time in a dramatic, fully realized portrayal—is set to become one of London’s most anticipated theatre events of 2026. A new revival of End of the Rainbow is coming to the city, and Monsoon will lead the production, stepping into a role that blends history, heartbreak, and cultural legacy. For fans of theatre, Garland, and queer performance, this revival promises to be a defining moment that bridges nostalgia with contemporary artistic vision.

Jinkx Monsoon has long been recognized for her deeply rooted connection to Judy Garland, though audiences mostly know that bond through her celebrated comedic impressions. In this new production, she sheds the winking humor and embraces a dramatic approach that honors Garland’s final months. It’s a turning point not only for Monsoon as an actor, but for audiences familiar with her journey from cabaret circles to Broadway acclaim. Her recent performances have displayed extraordinary vocal power, emotional sensitivity, and a growing command of dramatic storytelling—all of which make her casting in this revival feel both exciting and inevitable.

End of the Rainbow tackles a chapter in Garland’s life that is both luminous and painful. Set around her final performances in London in 1968, the play examines her professional pressures, financial strain, and personal vulnerability. It’s a portrait of an artist who shaped an industry and inspired generations, even as she struggled under the weight of fame. The original production earned critical praise for its intensity and musicality, and it eventually became the basis for the Oscar-winning biographical film Judy. A new London staging brings fresh urgency to its themes, especially through Monsoon’s perspective as a queer artist interpreting a figure long cherished in LGBTQ+ communities.

The 2026 revival is slated for Soho Theatre’s Walthamstow venue, an intimate space that naturally amplifies the emotional tension of the story. A smaller house allows audiences to experience Garland’s unraveling and resilience up close—her humor, her exhaustion, her artistry, and her unguarded humanity. This revival is expected to take a more grounded approach, focusing on character depth and internal conflict rather than camp or spectacle. With Monsoon at the center, the production can explore Garland not just as an icon, but as a woman navigating the pressures of a world that demanded more than it ever gave back.

For theatre fans, this casting represents an important evolution in how drag artists continue to shape contemporary stages. Monsoon joins a growing lineage of performers who cross boundaries between drag, cabaret, musical theatre, and dramatic acting. Her portrayal highlights the artistry behind drag—its emotional intelligence, its vocal skills, its storytelling power—and demonstrates how those talents translate into mainstream theatre. At the same time, LGBTQ+ audiences are likely to feel a particularly deep resonance. Garland’s influence on queer culture is iconic, and Monsoon’s interpretation adds new layers to that lineage, suggesting a dialogue between past and present about identity, survival, and creative expression.

As anticipation builds, interest in tickets is expected to rise quickly. Theatre-goers should watch for announcements about pre-sale windows, general-release dates, and seating options. Keeping an eye on Soho Theatre’s official channels or signing up for alerts is the safest way to secure seats early and avoid third-party markups. With a performer as beloved as Monsoon leading a revival of such emotional depth, early sellouts are likely.

Behind the excitement lies a cultural moment worth noting. This revival is not just a revisiting of Garland’s life; it’s a reflection on how stories about resilience, artistry, and queer identity continue to matter. Audiences who connect with Garland’s legacy will find new meaning in Monsoon’s interpretation, while those discovering the play for the first time will encounter a performance shaped by empathy and emotional clarity. For queer theatre history, this marks another step in the widening visibility of drag performers in major dramatic roles.

As 2026 approaches, End of the Rainbow is positioning itself as a key highlight of London’s theatre season. Jinkx Monsoon’s portrayal promises to offer a compelling blend of tribute, reinvention, and emotional truth. The production invites audiences to reflect on Garland’s enduring impact while experiencing a new chapter of Monsoon’s artistic evolution. Anyone interested in updates, early ticket access, or behind-the-scenes insights should stay connected—this is shaping up to be one of the year’s most memorable theatrical events.