Charlotte Thornton reviews Judy’s Encore – The Return of a Star, performed by Ali Harper, produced by Ben McDonald, at the Court Theatre, Tuesday 11 August 2026.
Let’s follow the lead of Judy’s Encore and begin at the end. The show concludes with a voiceover calling Judy Garland “the eternal star” – this is actually putting it lightly. There are few people who could merit a 90-minute tribute show 57 years after their death, but Judy Garland is one of them.
Judy’s Encore stars multi-hyphenate entertainer Ali Harper as the titular diva. It’s set in 1967, two years before Garland died at the age of 47. Harper performs a range of Garland classics, from “Get Happy” to “The Trolley Song” to, of course, a posthumous “Over the Rainbow”.
Between showtunes, Harper remains in character to tell the audience about Garland’s life. Harper’s Garland is more lucid and outspoken than the real thing: when she tells us about her stage debut at the age of 2, she adds, “That’s too young, I know!” This Garland is not completely put together, though; she is thrilled when her teapot is replaced with a bottle of bourbon. Harper keeps the evening classy by avoiding ‘funny drunk’ acting, but the show overall isn’t quite sure how to play Garland’s alcoholism: it gets both boisterous laughs and mournful tears.
Harper first dons a long floral gown embedded with sequins which dance beautifully under the lights. Halfway through the show, there’s a faux intermission which leaves me confused as to whether we should take Garland up on her invitation to meet her at the bar. Harper soon returns, now in a pantsuit and studded scarf – the intermission was just for Garland. Well deserved.
Harper is supported by a fantastic band. Tom Rainey is her pianist and the evening’s musical director, providing flawless communication with Richard Pickard on double bass, Douglas Brush on drums, and young Alex Boot on saxophone, flute, and clarinet – or as Judy puts it, “The instruments you put your lips to and blow.” Lines like this one show why Garland is so popular as a drag character. She is world-weary yet innocent, a born vaudevillian. Harper’s performance is somewhere on the drag spectrum; this 6pm Tuesday audience is lovely and polite, but I think Judy’s Encore could reach new heights as part of The Court Theatre’s next Rainbow Festival.
Garland is a tough impersonation to get right, as vocal placement can easily edge into Katharine Hepburn or, understandably, Liza Minnelli. Harper’s phenomenal voice naturally sits higher than Garland’s, but you’d never know from Judy’s Encore. Her evocation is spot-on. Harper’s musical theatre style is very effective, as the setlist creates an emotional arc akin to the heroine of a tragic musical. Harper also has some fantastic microphone cord choreography – a true Judy staple.
It’s a respectful portrayal rooted in a love of Garland. It’s also a good introduction to younger (or more heterosexual) punters who may not know much about Garland beyond The Wizard of Oz. She tells us about her mother, her contract with MGM, her crush on Mickey Rooney. There’s a lot of name-checking – her first four husbands and all three children, along with most of her co-stars and the films in which they appeared – but it’s done in collaboration with the audience. She asks us, “Did you like that movie?” and “How about you come over and we watch it together?” It gets to what was most special about Garland’s live performances: her deep love for her fans.
It’s clear that Harper is one such fan. During the curtain call, after thanking the audience, tech operator, and band, Harper turns back to gesture at the “Judy” sign, grateful for her too. Aren’t we all?
Judy’s Encore – The Return of a Star runs until Sunday 16 August.
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