Judy Garland is one of the most iconic figures in film making history. Despite dying in 1969, her memory lives on today through the magnitude of films she made (including the iconic Wizard of Oz) and the incredible songs she sang.
The Judy Garland Songbook is a celebration of the songs Judy sang in her lifetime. Performed by Wicked star Louise Dearman, Ray Quinn and of course, Judy’s own daughter, Lorna Luft.
Lorna is the ‘other’ daughter of Judy Garland. When talking to people about this show the consensus was that most people thought the only daughter was Liza. Given her relationship with the star we were all there to hear about, it would have been nice to have her tell more than a couple of stories about her mother. In fact this show tells the audience very little about Judy Garland but focuses on the performance of songs.
If you love the music of Judy Garland you won’t be disappointed by this show. It’s got all the hits from The Trolley Song to Zing! Went the Strings of my Heart, Get Happy and Putting On The Ritz.
Louise Dearman looked radiant and it was nice to see her performing outside of the Wicked musical roles she has become famous for. Rachel Stanley had a great voice and delivered the songs in the true style of Judy Garland effortlessly. Ray Quinn was incredible, he sang like a star and danced like a dream. It’s not wonder he was the 2006 X Factor runner-up and winner of Dancing on Ice. This boy can do it all. In fact I will go as far as to say he’s my new crush (so Ray, if you’re reading this and like older ladies call me ;).
The backing dancers ‘The Boyfriends’ were a nice addition to the show, giving it less of a concert style feeling and more like a big song and dance show that we all wanted to see. There are some nice Judy Garland video montages in the show and the set design is well done, however the lack of story telling from Lorna made this concert homage to Judy Garland a little underwhelming.
Reviewed by West End Wilma
The Judy Garland Songbook is playing at the New Wimbledon Theatre until Saturday and then on tour around the UK until August. Click here for tour dates and tickets