Whether you love or loathe country music, there’s little denying that Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco as Johnny and June Cash in The Ballad of Johnny & June, are a professional triumph in their respective roles as two of America’s greatest loved country stars.

And I have the greatest respect for anyone that not only reproduces the voice of a musical icon worshipped by millions, but also manages to deliver on that second strata of complexity: mannerisms and facial expressions, which Grant does to a tee.

But, whilst I cannot claim to say this is my favourite musical, I can see why it succeeds where others fail. Not only is it beautifully directed by two-time Tony award winner, Des McAnuff, it also avoids the trap of turning itself into a Johnny Cash ‘concert’, my very criticism of Legend – The Music of Bob Marley, which was unashamedly a ‘concert’ in homage to reggae’s biggest star.

Aspiration did not meet reality: I went expecting a musical with a strong story but got a concert and went home disappointed.

However, The Ballad of Johnny & June cleverly takes one strand of Cash’s life – his emerging relationship and eventual second marriage to country star, June Carter, the birth of their son, John Carter Cash, and the maelstrom of drink and drugs that defined a huge part of their respective lives.

In between, of course, there are the songs: I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Jackson, A Boy Named Sue, Hurt and many more iconic tunes.

Taken together, you have a very clever, solid musical, supported by a great live band, including some of the actors, but driven by a strong storyline that keeps you involved beyond the music.

Ironically, for a show that keeps you spellbound for more than two hours, there are few major scene changes, just very subtle scenery movements that shift emphasis through the clever use of muted lighting, characters in and out of shadow, but always still evident on stage, and imaginary ‘concerts’ that make you, the audience, feel part of something so much bigger.

Grant and Bianco, both Americans, really are excellent, each with great theatrical pedigrees, however, the surprise is Ryan O’Donnell as their son John Carter Cash. Born in Halifax, he really nailed the role of ‘Southern Boy’ and his accent never faltered: he was also a mean finger picker!

Overall, this was an excellent production, anchored by a raft of talented swing actors, and will appeal to different people for different reasons. On the one hand there’s the country music, however, beyond that, theatre goers will appreciate The Ballad of Johnny & June for its strong storyline, and quality direction.

A good, all round, well put together show. Recommended.

The Ballad of Johnny & June
Alhambra, Bradford
Until Saturday 4th July 2026