A former Penrith resident is wowing critics and audiences in London with her portrayal of the iconic Judy Garland.
Belinda Wollaston, a former Jamison High School student, is appearing in ‘Through The Mill’, which focuses on different eras of Garland’s turbulent life.
The Upcoming said Ms Wollaston and her co-stars were “phenomenal” in the show, which opened last week.
“Raucous applause, whistles, whooping and foot-stamping fill the London Theatre Workshop just moments after ‘Through the Mill’ begins, and an electric atmosphere sustains non-stop for two hours, culminating in multiple standing ovations. It would be forgivable to think Judy Garland herself were on stage,” the review said.
“Not a single moment of Ray Rackham and Max Reynolds’ ‘Through the Mill’ disappoints. It’s a tremendously engaging story, full of laugh-out-loud jokes, stunning emotions and unforgettable music. For any Judy Garland fans, Through the Mill is a must-see, and for everyone else, prepare to fall in love with her.”
Grumpy Gay Critic also raved about the show and Ms Wollaston.
“Wollaston as the late-20s “Palace Judy” is voluptuously vivacious, reeking of Hollywood swagger that just about conceals Garland’s reliance on prescription medication and deep seated paranoia,” the review said.
“Wollaston’s rendition of ‘Roackabye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody’ absolutely barnstormed the cosy auditorium with a force that is absolutely becoming of the legend herself.”
Ms Wollaston formed a strong theatre career in Australia before moving to London, appearing in musicals such as ‘Titanic’, ‘Summer Rain’ and a number of her own cabaret shows.
She’s been in London for more than a year, and earlier this year starred in the critically acclaimed Spitfire Grill.
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