Judy Garland: The Final Rainbow

Renée Zellweger introduces a programme exploring Judy Garland's last concerts at London's Talk Of The Town in 1969, the subject of a new feature film.

Weaving together newly restored archive recordings and eye-witness accounts, we separate the woman from the myth, examining her exceptional talent, exploitation and troubled relationship with Hollywood.

In late December 1968 Judy Garland, embattled and in poor health, arrived in London for a five-week run at Talk Of The Town in Leicester Square, for £2,500 a week.

When Renée Zellweger was preparing to play Judy in a new biopic, directed by Rupert Goold, little-heard archive concert recordings and first-hand accounts were key to understanding the singer's state of mind during those final performances.

Rosalyn Wilder was the young production assistant tasked with getting Judy on stage each night. Looking back now, Rosalyn describes the stress of that responsibility, but she is also deeply sympathetic: it was clear that Judy's personal life had spiralled out of control. Michael Hirst, the venue's general manager, also remembers Garland's five-week engagement for its unpredictability.

For jazz pianist Dave Lee, now 93, his experiences working with Judy couldn't be more different. Starting in 1960, he worked with her over a six-year period. The Judy Garland he encountered was bouncy, happy and fun - but with an incredible talent for picking the wrong men.

We also hear from Judy director Rupert Goold, New York composer Johnny Meyer who gave Garland shelter in the summer of 1968, film critic David Benedict, and audio engineer John Haley who has restored many rare Judy Garland recordings.

• Producers: Victoria Ferran and Susan Marling
• A Just Radio production for BBC Radio 4

Publicity contact: Radio 4 Publicity