Johnny Cash’s biggest hits come to the stage, but the first act takes a little too long to find its rhythm
I’ll be honest, I went into The Ballad of Johnny & June knowing the songs far better than I knew the actual story.
Johnny Cash? Obviously. Ring of Fire? Of course. That famous black suit and unmistakable voice? You’d have to be living under a rock.
But ask me to tell you the ins and outs of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s relationship, and I probably wouldn’t have got very far.
Images: Supplied
So, sitting down at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Tuesday 15 September, I was going in pretty much blind, expecting some big country classics, big performances and, naturally, Ring of Fire.
And while the show definitely delivered on the music, I have to say to say that act one felt VERY long. There’s a lot of story to get through, from Johnny and June’s early lives and careers to their meeting, relationship, family life and the struggles that came with fame.
But there were quite a few scenes where I found myself thinking they could have been cut without taking anything away from the bigger story.
The narration was another thing I struggled with.
John Carter Cash guides us through his parents’ story, jumping back and forth through different points in their lives. I completely understand why it’s there, especially for someone like me who didn’t know the story inside and out.
But with such a huge story, incredible songs and two massive characters at its centre, it felt like the safer option.
Image: Supplied
I couldn’t help thinking that there was potential for a much grander piece of musical theatre, rather than relying so heavily on narration to move the story along.
But, then came act two.
And honestly, this is where the show completely won me back.
Suddenly there was more drive, more emotion and much more depth to the characters. Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash feels completely at home in the role. He captures that unmistakable voice and presence without it ever feeling like a simple impersonation.
And Christina Bianco as June Carter is brilliant. She brings so much energy and personality to June, but it’s her more emotional moments that really stay with you. Her solo before June dies is utterly heartbreaking.
Image: Supplied
It was one of those moments where the whole theatre seemed to go silent, and you could feel everyone completely invested in what was happening on stage.
The chemistry between Bianco and Grant is also a huge part of what makes their story work, while the rest of the cast all feel like they’ve been cast in exactly the right roles.
And then, of course, there’s the music.
I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson,A Boy Named Sue and, naturally, Ring of Fire all make an appearance. Hearing those songs performed live with the band on stage is easily one of the show’s biggest strengths. In fact, it’s during these big musical moments that you realise just how much potential this story has.
I just wanted more of that in Act One.
By the time the curtain came down, though, I had gone from knowing Johnny Cash for a handful of songs to understanding much more about the man, June and the story behind the music.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 15 September until Saturday 19 September 2026. Tickets are available here.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has shared an update this afternoon, after a man died in a horrifying tiger attack at the zoo yesterday.
The wildlife park, which remains closed today, has informed customers of the future of the tiger involved, Altai.
Emergency services rushed to the park near Doncaster at around 1.30pm on Saturday, after reports of a man climbing into the tiger enclosure.
Tragically, the man involved in the tiger attack lost his life.
The zoo has said that its 'thoughts and heartfelt sympathies' remain with the man's family and loved ones.
They also said that its staff team have been left 'deeply affected' by the tiger attack and will be receiving specialist support.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park has now shared that Altai, the male tiger in question, is 'safe and well' and will not be euthanised as a result of the incident.
In a statement, they said: "We would like to thank everyone who has expressed their concern following yesterday's tragic incident.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies remain with the family and loved ones of the man who sadly lost his life.
"The park will be closed today while the staff team who were deeply affected by events receive specialist support.
"Many, many people have contacted us about Altai, the tiger. We can reassure everyone that he is safe and well and will not be euthanised as a result of this incident."
Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.
Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.
Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.
The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.
“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.
“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.
“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”
Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.
Declan Kelly -
16th September 2026 
