The Ballad Of Johnny & June – Review – Hull New Theatre
By Rachel Howard, July 2026
Johnny Cash – aka the Man in Black – may well be best for known for tunes including ‘I Walk the Line’ and ‘Ring of Fire’, not to mention his infamous performances at Folsom Prison and San Quentin Prison, but his personal life was equally noteworthy.
So noteworthy in fact that an Oscar-winning film was made about his life and career. Walk the Line was released in 2005 and starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon as Cash and his wife, June. It was a smash hit, bringing Cash’s music to the modern masses, so it’s not surprising that this year sees the UK launch of a brand new musical – The Ballad of Johnny & June – and I’m lucky enough to be at Hull New Theatre for opening night.
The auditorium is far from full, but there is a real buzz about the place as we take our seats. As the curtain goes up, we’re treated to the first of many performances from the on-stage band and cast, setting the tone for what is sure to be a top-class show.
“Powerhouse”
From the moment Christopher Ryan Grant takes to the stage as Johnny, we are putty in his hands. His deep, dulcet tones are velvety and rich and remarkably accurate to Cash’s own voice. His stance, mannerisms and look are all top notch, and it’s hard to believe we’re not watching the real thing strut his stuff on the stage in front of us.
Speaking of strutting, it’s not long before June – diminutive in stature but certainly not in character – takes her place on stage. Played by Christina Bianco, June is a powerhouse of a woman – both on and off stage. It’s no wonder that Johnny falls head over heels with the girl from Virginia who made her mark on the music scene alongside her family in the Carter Family band.
What sets this production apart from many others is the fact the whole story of Johnny and June’s love affair is told by their son, John Carter Cash, played by Ryan O’Donnell. Standing discreetly to the side of stage, John narrates the story of his parents’ lives in an honest yet often humorous way. But this isn’t a fairytale by any means. It’s a warts and all retelling of a love affair that was often scarred by addiction and heartbreak.
“Vulnerability”
Starting at their first meeting, the show charts the couple through their decades long partnership, focusing on Cash’s rise to stardom including his prison concerts and his own personal brushes with the law. When he turns to drugs to try to cope with the stress of being on the road, June is by his side, begging him to turn things around. But it isn’t long before she falls down the same hole, and it’s Johnny’s turn to support her.
Woven into the narrative are, of course, the songs we have all come to know and love from Cash. Performed superbly by the cast and band, directed by Connagh Tonkinson, this production is a showcase of hits including ‘Hey Porter’, ‘Jackson’ and ‘Country Boy’. It’s a toe-tapping, shoulder-shimmying, hand-clapping kind of show, and the whole audience are loving it. On the flip side, the darker, more emotional moments are handled sensitively and dare I say, bring a tear to the eye.
Grant and Bianco are wonderful as Cash and Carter. It’s rare to see two actors take on their characters so remarkably well. The power, vulnerability and chemistry shown on stage is second to none, while the musical numbers are performed so convincingly I feel like I’ve been magically whisked off to Nashville.
“Heartfelt”
The support cast are a super-talented and hard-working bunch who play multiple roles throughout the two and a half hour show. Honestly, this can be a little confusing at the start but it’s not long before we settle in and understand who’s playing who.
Set designer Robert Brill has created a scene resembling a wooden shack that uses slats to open and close, cleverly transforming into a stage and a prison with minimal fuss. The costumes, designed by Sarafina Bush, are perfectly reflective of the era and locale.
Everything comes together to form a rip-roaring, witty yet supremely heartfelt musical that not only tells the story of Johnny Cash’s rise to fame, but also beautifully profiles June Carter Cash, whose own story is far more than simply being Mrs Johnny Cash. In fact, she’s the making of the man, and without her, the country music archives would be significantly less meaningful.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is in Hull all week, and I can highly recommend a visit to watch this Country Boy and Country Girl in action – it’s a love story that will be told for many, many years to come.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Hull New Theatre until 18th July
images: Pamela Raith Photography
After studying English at university and having a lifelong love of writing, Rachel, a full-time editor, came to On Yorkshire in 2017 where she started off reviewing theatre productions in and around the East Yorkshire area. That love of theatre soon expanded into hotels, restaurants and travel, not to mention becoming one of On Yorkshire’s resident beauty editors, reviewing the latest products, spas and treatments. Rachel loves to sample the very best Yorkshire and the UK have to offer in order to bring you the low down on the high life!
