(Paul Taylor Mills & Mercury Theatre in association with the Belgrade Theatre)
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| Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland |
Lisa Maxwell gives the performance of a lifetime with her
tribute to Judy Garland in the wonderfully captivating End Of The Rainbow.
Better known for her nine year stint in The Bill and being a regular favourite
on the lunchtime magazine show Loose Women, Maxwell astounds with the most
incredible interpretation of Hollywood’s movie-musical legend. Her visual,
physical and vocal mimicry is breathtaking as she gives us an insight into the
tragic personality of this gay icon, battling with drug addiction and
alcoholism and the resulting crippling anxieties.
The story takes place in London at the start of a ‘comeback’
tour in 1968, only months before her untimely passing, with the action
switching between her hotel suite and The Talk of the Town cabaret club. Her
young, new manager, and soon-to-be fifth husband, Mickey Deans, strives to help
Garland overcome her demons and rebuild her career, which lies in tatters, as
she faces financial ruin. He is aided by the songstress’ accompanist, Anthony
Chapman, whose love for Garland runs deep, fuelling his attempt to save her
from herself and the impending marriage.
Sam Attwater’s impressive stature, as the fiancé, dwarfs the
delicate frame of the silver-screen star, juxtaposing her fragility with her
strength and resilience. Gary Wilmot is absolutely perfect as Garland’s pianist
and silent rescuer. His solid stillness and witty repartee are a constant in
the crazy dichotomies of show business. The final member of the players is
Simon Pontin, who is great in his various cameos.
Brilliantly directed by Daniel Buckroyd, the star of the
show has to be Peter Quilter’s script, which is a superb mix of pathos, comedy
and music. The dialogue is engaging throughout and despite the sadness of the
situation, the storytelling remains energised and ever hopeful, cleverly
challenging our opinions of each character as they struggle to cope on their
collective journey.
I have heard that the tour has been cut short, due to poor
ticket sales. This is criminal for such a worthy production. It is, without
doubt, one of the best shows I have seen for a very long time. End Of The
Rainbow is engaging, powerful and funny. It is as deserving of packed houses as
Lisa Maxwell was of the standing ovation she justly received. This is live
theatre at it’s absolute best!
5 Stars
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