REVIEW: THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE @ RICHMOND THEATRE

🎭 The Ballad of Johnny & June

📍 Richmond Theatre, 1 Little Green, Richmond, London, TW9 1QJ

🗓 Saturday 11th July 2026

⭐️ 5 Stars

A FLAMING SUCCESS

Growing up, the soundtrack of my household wasn’t the standard pop charts. No, I was brought up on the timeless, gritty, and soulful music of a bygone era. We’re talking about the pioneers who shaped rock ‘n’ roll and country: Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, the legendary Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash.

Because of that musical upbringing, THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE has been right at the very top of my theatre wishlist. I was absolutely gutted to miss its earlier tour stops in Bromley and Plymouth, so I became utterly determined not to let this one slip by. I managed to bag myself a ticket for the Saturday matinee, and my goodness, I am so incredibly glad I did. It might have been an absolute heatwave outside the theatre, but let me tell you, the talent exploding on that stage was much, much hotter!

What makes this production so utterly gripping is the brilliant concept of the show and how it structures its story. I especially liked how it gives the stories of both Johnny and June completely equal billing. Far too often in pop culture retellings, this is treated as just "The Johnny Cash Show", with June relegated to a supporting character in his shadow. Here, we learn so much more about the fiercely talented woman who is so often sidelined. It is a beautifully balanced dual biography that treats both icons with the respect they deserve.

Driving the narrative forward is Ryan O’Donnell as John Carter Cash, the couple's son, who narrates the story of his parents' turbulent lives. O'Donnell provides a wonderfully grounded, emotional anchor for the piece. He guides us through the highs and lows with immense warmth, and he even gets to showcase his own fantastic musical chops, singing some gorgeous original songs written specifically for this musical - including the beautifully poignant titular track, 'The Ballad of Johnny and June'.

When it comes to the Man in Black himself, Christopher Ryan Grant was nothing short of exceptional. His speaking voice was absolutely spot on. Honestly, if you closed your eyes, you could swear you were listening to Cash himself. His singing voice perfectly captured the characteristic rawness, tone, and booming depth of the icon. He brought early classics like 'Hey Porter', 'I Walk the Line', and 'Cry, Cry, Cry' gloriously to life, commanding the stage with the perfect mix of Cash's brooding charisma and deep-seated vulnerability. It’s an incredibly demanding role, both vocally and emotionally, and Grant absolutely nails it.

The supporting company is packed with formidable talent. Mia Jae is wonderful as Vivian, Johnny's first wife, bringing a heartbreaking dignity and palpable frustration to a woman watching her marriage disintegrate. Abigail Matthews is equally superb as Anita Carter, delivering some truly angelic vocals that soared through the auditorium. A huge shoutout must also go to Christopher Short, an absolute chameleon of a performer who brought an infectious, tireless energy to a multitude of different roles throughout the show.

Honestly, the entire ensemble cast were completely flawless throughout, backing each other up with razor-sharp harmonies that sent chills down my spine.

But for me, the absolute standout performance of the entire afternoon came from the incomparable Christina Bianco as June Carter Cash. In my opinion, this was a flat-out, career-defining performance. I have been a massive fan of Bianco's ever since I first discovered her incredible impressions on YouTube many years ago, and I've been lucky enough to see her on stage multiple times since. Even so, she completely blew me away here. She vanishes entirely into June, capturing her sharp comedic wit, her fiercely independent spirit, and her profound emotional depth. Her vocals were outstanding from start to finish, with her rendition of 'Wildwood Flower' being my absolute favourite performance of the entire show. It was a spine-tingling moment. I just sat in awe watching and listening to her sheer brilliance.

Visually, the production is just as slick. The set design is incredibly clever, incorporating itself seamlessly into the story to transition from intimate backstages to grand concert halls without ever losing momentum. Paired with a wonderful, atmospheric lighting design that perfectly mirrors the shifting moods from bright showbiz highs to the dark, shadowy depths of addiction, it is a feast for the senses.

This show exceeded my expectations greatly. It is vibrant, emotionally raw, and musically spectacular. I am already plotting how I can catch it again before the UK tour ends. Quite frankly, this show deserves a permanent place on a West End stage right now.

THE BALLAD OF JOHNNY & JUNE continues its tour around the UK until September. CLICK HERE to find out more about the show, check tour dates, and book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair, and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one person.

CAST LIST:

Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash; Christina Bianco as June Carter Cash; Ryan O'Donnell as John Carter Cash; Christopher Short as Man 1; Chomba S. Taulo as Man 2; Peter Peverley as Man 3; Abigail Matthews as Woman 1; Mia Jae as Woman 2; Celyn Cartwright as Woman 3

RUNNING TIME (approx):

2 hours 30 minutes, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Depictions of substance abuse and addiction; Adult themes; Mature relationship dynamics; Strong language; A rifle on stage; Loud music

AGE GUIDANCE:

12+

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