The Man in Black.
Very few artists are instantly identified by a simple description, but country legend Johnny Cash was one of that select group.
Given the quality of his back catalogue The Man in Black was probably long overdue for a jukebox musical, so it came as no surprise that Jersey Boys director Des McAnuff was behind this show. Like that smash hit, this was a warts and all tale of Johnny’s rock and roll lifestyle where his substance abuse masks the pain of losing his beloved brother, and his tempestuous marriage to country royalty June Carter.
It’s all narrated onstage by their son John Carter Cash who noted that like all fairytales there was both light and plenty of darkness as Johnny and June battled their own demons. Whilst we didn’t really learn anything new about the pair’s lives, it is to the McAnuff ’s credit – and Carter Cash acting as a consultant – that they were shown as trailblazing stars and real people with plenty of flaws.
Along the way a mature audience who had clearly been fans for decades were treated to all the classics, including a scorching version of Jackson with the red-hot onstage band, although some were thrown away in a too episodic first half on Robert Brill’s Grand Ole Opry inspired set. There was a touch too much of June, which was understandable as audiences may be less familiar as she was initially a bigger star than Johnny, and having an instant chemistry when they met married to other people.
In the second half the songs were allowed to breathe a bit more, particularly in a well staged recreation of the couple’s legendary show at Folsom Prison with a glorious version of Folsom Prison Blues. In a clever move his iconic version of Hurt marked the moment he kicked the pills and booze as he finally found some peace with June and himself.
Christopher Ryan Grant faithfully recreated Cash’s distinctive bass-baritone vocals and onstage tics, but he brought a genuine depth to a troubled man who was determined to do things his own way. He made a high energy version of I Walk The Line his own and sympathetically tackled the impact of Cash’s infidelities and addictions on those around him including the long suffering June
He had genuine chemistry with Christina Bianco’s firecracker portrayal of June as she turned from a novelty country act into a genuinely equal artistic and emotional partner to Cash, and their duet on If I Was A Carpenter was drenched in pathos. Ironically Bianco was a better singer than June who by her own admission wasn’t the strongest vocalist.
Ryan O’Donnell was the perfect narrator on guitar and vocal as John Carter Cash, bringing wit and insight to a refreshingly honest assessment of his parent’s far from idyllic marriage. As with so many of these shows the talented ensemble played their own instruments, and a multitude of characters, with each making the most of their own solos.
The Ballad of Johnny & June proved to be a show that delighted the lifelong fans, and continued a welcome trend away from saccharine jukebox musicals that reveal very little about the real people behind the songs
The Ballad of Johnny & June runs at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 19th September. To book 0113 2430808 or www.leedshertitagetheatres.com
Reviewer: Paul Clarke
Reviewed: 15th September 2026
North West End UK Rating: