The Very Best Of

On June 9 1951, an uncertain Judy Garland walked onto the stage at London’s Palladium to commence a twice nightly, 45 minute performance as part of a variety bill. The band played an introductory Somewhere Over The Rainbow, and the audience gave a welcoming roar. Within seconds she had the audience in the palm of her hands. When she accidentally took a tumble, she elected to merely sit on the stage and continue her performance in an even more intimate manner, ensuring what the Daily Express described as “The biggest welcome yet for a first time Hollywood star.”