The Ballad of Johnny & June
Johnny Cash is a name most people will be familiar with as a country singer with a unique sounding voice, but do you know how he met the love of his life June Carter, star of the first family of country, the Carters? The Ballad of Johnny and June tells their story through the eyes of their son John Carter Cash. Detailing how they both began their careers, their vastly different childhoods and how one of the most famous relationships in country music had its highs and lows that affected everyone around them for good and bad.
Ryan O’Donnell plays our narrator, John Carter Cash, he has a lovely ease to his storytelling, and his heartfelt performance is a joy to watch.
Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash, having originated the role in San Diego and Canada is the epitome of Cash, his mannerisms are spot on and you would be forgiven for mistaking his voice for the real thing, so alike is his performance. Christina Bianco as June Carter Cash gives a superb portrayal, her vocals are astounding and her characterisation is brilliantly entertaining. The two work seamlessly together, the casting is perfect.
It’s a small supporting cast who not only play multiple parts each throughout the story telling but also play instruments and harmonise wonderfully. The musical arrangements by Ron Melrose are wonderful to hear and breathe a new life in to classic hits such as Walk The Line and Ring Of Fire.
Written by Robert Cary and Des McAnuff (who also directs) the story is easy to follow, so you don’t need to be an expert on all things country to enjoy this musical. Sarafina Bush’s costume design uses neutral colours and June Carter Cash’s outfits stand out as beautifully designed. Combining this with Robert Brill’s set design, which is lit superbly by Amanda Zieve’s lighting, we are instantly in the world of country and swept away into their story from the start.
This production is magnificently put together in all its aspects and is a wonderful evening out for the whole family to enjoy the story and music of two of country music’s biggest stars.
This show was reviewed on the 22nd April 2026 at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham where it runs until the 25th April 2026. Tickets available here: The Ballad of Johnny and June Tickets | The Alexandra, Birmingham in Birmingham | ATG Tickets
Full tour details here: The Ballad of Johnny and June - The Johnny Cash Musical
Review written by Rachel Louise Martin
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show