The Ballad of Johnny & June – Review – Bradford Alhambra Theatre
By Christine Goode, July 2026
A new musical is currently touring the UK and, being a huge musical fan, I hotfooted it down to the Bradford Alhambra Theatre to see The Ballad of Johnny & June. The show is now on a six-month UK tour. I must admit, I had not heard of it until recently and, although I have heard Johnny Cash’s songs over the years, I knew very little about him. So I went in with a blank canvas and was super excited to learn more.
After its world premiere in San Diego in early 2024, and a later transfer to Alberta, the show made its UK debut in March 2026. It tells the story of country music icons Johnny Cash and his second wife, June Carter Cash, exploring how they met, married and rose to fame through the narration of their son, John Carter Cash.
Their turbulent journey includes addiction, infidelity and loss, with Johnny battling alcohol, amphetamines and barbiturates, while June struggled with amphetamines and painkillers. Yet, despite its heavy themes, the show remains uplifting, packing in 36 songs that have the audience clapping along from the start and quickly drawn into this remarkable story.
“Entirely believable”
Portraying Johnny Cash, one of music’s most iconic figures, is no small challenge, but Christopher Ryan Grant rises to it superbly. His voice and mannerisms feel very authentic, quickly winning over an audience clearly full of Cash fans, who cheer and clap along. He delivers a moving performance, capturing Cash’s addiction and recovery as family becomes the centre of his life.
Christina Bianco is excellent as June Carter Cash, bringing vibrant energy to every scene. Her vocals are fabulous, and her chemistry with Grant feels entirely believable. Ryan O’Donnell is also great as John Carter Cash, keeping the show moving quickly with plenty of humour.
The rest of the cast are top-class singers and musicians, with harmonies to die for, and they all play multiple roles. In fact, I noticed in the programme that they are listed as Man 1, Man 2, Woman 1, Woman 2 and so on, most likely because there are too many roles to list!
“Heartache and life experience”
The set design by Robert Brill is effective and exactly how one would imagine a small country and western stage to look. It reminded me fondly of Little House on the Prairie. Further towards the back of the stage is the band, who occasionally make an appearance during the bigger numbers. Clever use of lighting and stagecraft helps us imagine Johnny and June performing on stage, even though the set remains largely unchanged as the story progresses.
Of all the shows I have seen, this was surely one of the most informative and song-filled, so its two-and-a-half-hour running time is hardly surprising. I was taken aback by how many songs I recognised. Sometimes you take them for granted, assuming they have always been there, never realising the heartache and life experience that went into writing such iconic hits.
We all had a great night and, judging by the instant standing ovation, it was clear everyone agreed. I also came away knowing much more about the Man in Black, and what an absolutely wonderful woman his wife was.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Bradford Alhambra until 4 July
images: Pamela Raith
Christine Goode founded her own dance school – The May School of Dance & Theatre Arts over three decades ago. Her dedication to teaching and love of dance, has created many successful artists in the industry, and she is delighted that many of her former students have now returned with their children, allowing them to also discover this beautiful art. She has choreographed, produced and directed shows over the last 36 years, and is devoted to all live theatre and music. Now in her third year of writing about her obsession with the arts, Christine loves to encourage everyone to see as much live theatre as possible.
maydanceschool.co.uk
