The Ballad of Johnny and June
Congress Theatre Eastbourne
until Saturday 29th August
This new musical production, entitled The Ballad of Johnny and June has been directed and co-written by Des McAnuff who also famously directed the Jersey Boys. The musical has been created with full support from Johnny and June’s family. In fact, the only biological child that the pair shared, John Carter Cash provided input and perspective into the show. The show opens with a scene depicting Johnny and June together doing what they love best, performing accompanied by the rest of the company. The performance in being observed by a man with a guitar to the side of the stage, who later introduces himself as John Carter Cash played by Ryan O’Donnell.
It is John who essentially tells us, the audience the ballad of Johnny and June as he breaks the fourth wall throughout the majority of the show. Only in fact interacting with his on-stage parents towards the end of the performance, when the characters age aligns with that part of their life story. The show gives a very real, raw overview of the lives of these two famous country stars who became inseparable from one another. Their love story includes hard hitting topics such as infidelity and addiction and alcoholism but really depicts the connection between the pair since the moment that they met.
In this show Johnny Cash is fantastically portrayed by Christopher Ryan Grant, he has a wonderfully deep voice which effortlessly mastered the infamous songs of the infamous musician such as ‘I walk the line’ and “Ring of Fire”. Despite Johnnys shortcomings, he is portrayed as a charming man who was undeniably drawn to June. The accompanying narration from John asks the audience questions to consider such as what makes a marriage happy, and whose version of the first night Johnny and June met was the accurate one?
The part of June Carter is wonderfully played in this show by Christina Bianco, her southern accent both in speech and song was superb and she did a fantastic job of bringing spirit and grit to June. The show gives a great overview of the singing pedigree so to speak of the pedigree of the Carter family that June was from and their singing background. The show is well paced and gives a faithful overview to the love story of Johnny and June; the costumes are neatly styled to match the 1950s – 1960s era in which the story is set.
The lead performers are supported by a talented ensemble comprised of 6 members who each depict various characters throughout the show such as Ex Spouses and band mates. This was a fun evening, and a great show for any fans of the famous couple for this Juke Box musical based on their hits.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is playing at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne until August 29, 2026.
Reviewer: Lisa Dawn