The Ballad of Johnny & June – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – Review

Dates: 31 March – 11 April 2026

Find out more about this production here.

The Ballad of Johnny & June tells “a love story that defined an era”. Johnny Cash and June Carter were both performing musicians when they met at the side of the stage. They have differing accounts of what happened when they first met, but it was clear that there was a spark. The story of their lives is told by narrator John Carter Cash (Ryan O’Donnell), the couple’s only son. He watches as the events unfold on stage and comments on them. We see Johnny and June as children and follow their lives as they become stars and eventually husband and wife.

Three actors on stage play one character each: Christopher Ryan Grant (Johnny Cash), Christina Bianco (June Carter Cash), and Ryan O’Donnell (John Carter Cash). The six other actors play a multitude of characters, including band members and other famous musicians, studio and TV executives and family members. The piece offers a whistle-stop tour through the events that shaped the lives of the two musicians. There is also an impressive five-piece band at the back of the stage, who are there throughout.

The production has rights to all the famous Johnny Cash songs, including I Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Hey Porter, Jackson and even additional tracks such as Hurt (Nine Inch Nails) and Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down (Kris Kristofferson). The musical is heavy on songs, and the story of their lives is more padding than anything. Cash’s drug use is frequently mentioned, but this isn’t a hard-hitting piece that will show a man hitting rock bottom. Instead, we hear he’s trashed a hotel room offstage before he arrives on stage to sing another of his famous songs! If you’re looking for an authentic account of their lives, there are many books on the subject; this production focuses on the music. Christopher Ryan Grant’s vocals are deep and resonant, very close to Johnny Cash’s own distinctive style. Christina Bianco captures June Carter’s upbeat nature and also offers an impressive vocal range. The production is directed by Tony Award-winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys, The Who’s Tommy).

The story suffers from trying to pack too much in, with their 70-plus years of life, along with various marriages, addictions and divorces in the two-and-a-half-hour duration (including the interval). It never gets to grips with any substantial aspect of their lives, with many of the events told during songs! The music is the real highlight of the piece. The production indulges in impressive vocal harmonies among the large ensemble cast, with the highly talented band capturing an American country-music sound. Christopher Ryan Grant and Christina Bianco do well to recreate the warmth between the two lovers. For any fan of Johnny Cash, it’s a chance to hear an impressive recreation of the man and his finest songs.